DELAND, Fla. -- Noted DeLand historian Bill Dredgers died Friday.He was 90 years old.
Born June 30, 1926, William "Bill" Joshua Dreggors died Friday, Feb. 3, 2017.
"A sad day in the history for the DeLand community," former DeLands Mayor David Rigsby said. "Over the many years, Bill has worked tirelessly to remind us all of not only what a rich history we have here in DeLand, but (a) true sense of place. We will never forget you or the gift you have given us all."
Orange City Mayor Gary Blair said of Dreggors'' passing, "We have lost a treasure. Bill was one of the finest men I've ever met. He was so helpful to The City of Orange City getting its present historic preservation movement going and his advice/guidance helped us greatly in getting the city's first historic preservation grant from the state. He could tell local stories like no one else and loved doing it Rest peacefully Bill Dreggors."
Andy Kelly, a former county councilman from DeLand, said, "RIP our dear friend Bill Dreggors, a/k/a 'Mr DeLand.'"
Kelly was referring to Henry DeLand, the founder of the city who often dressed up as him while recitig city history.
The Lankford Funeral Home is handling funeral arrangements.
The obituary:
William Joshua Dreggors, Jr., “Bill” 90 of DeLand, FL passed away peacefully Feb. 3, 2017, in Orange City.
He attended DeLand High School and later served our country in the Navy.
Dreggors returned to work with Florida Power for 42 years before retiring, then began his second career as a folk historian.
He was best known for his character role of Henry DeLand and of writing his book Hot Sand & Sandspurs. His belief in giving back to the community led him to being a life member of the DeLand Breakfast Rotary Club and a Paul Harris Fellow.
He leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Irene W. Dreggors; son, Wayne & Leah Dreggors; brother James H. Dreggors; two grandchildren, Angela Slappey and Sarah Dowdell and four great grandchildren.
Also surviving is a stepson, Sam Thurmond; stepdaughter, Saralee Squires and a step granddaughter, Christina Thurmond.
A celebration of life service will be held on March 4, 2017, at 1 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church of DeLand. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made to the West Volusia Historical Society, 137 West Michigan Ave., DeLand, FL 32720.