Joe Dean Driggers

Joe Driggers, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away on Monday, March 17, 2025 at the age of 94. He was born on September 22, 1930 in Zwolle, Louisiana. Visitation will be Friday, March 21st from 5:00 - 7:00 pm at Charles W. Smith Funeral home in Sachse, Texas. Memorial service will be held at the First Baptist Church of Murphy on Saturday, March 22nd at 10:00 am.

Joe is preceded in death by his mother, Maggie Lou “Lula” Walker; his father, Lee Roy Driggers; his brother, Leroy Jr. “Sonny”; his oldest son Roy; and his wife, Christine, the love of his life for 71 years. He is survived by their son Ray and his wife Toni of Murphy, Texas; granddaughter, Britni and her husband Justin of Amarillo, Texas; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Joe’s family moved to Hobart, Oklahoma when he was 10. After graduating from high school in Hobart, he chose to enlist in the U.S. Army. He served on active duty for 3 years in the Korean War before returning home to marry his sweetheart, Christine. They eventually moved to “the city”, where they raised their two boys, Roy and Ray. Joe enjoyed time with his sons coaching their various baseball and football teams. Being an active member of the Village Baptist Church of Oklahoma City, Deacon Joe knew the importance of guiding his sons’ growth in faith as they became spiritual, caring men. His family was always a priority. Together, he and Roy served in the U.S. Post Office and Oklahoma Army National Guard. Influenced by his mother, affectionately known to the family as Granny Lula, Joe developed a passion for cooking that he passed down to Ray. It was during his time in the Oklahoma National Guard that he met his future daughter-in-law Toni. She became a Driggers within a year, marrying Ray.

After 30 years with the U.S. Post Office as a special delivery messenger and as a Sergeant Major in the Army National Guard, Joe “retired” in 1990. He then took it easy volunteering at the local food bank, driving cars for the local BMW dealership, and playing Nintendo with his Supergirl, Britni. Known as the “band grandpa,” he dedicated his Friday nights to helping with the equipment truck at Britni’s marching band performances. In 2004, Joe and Christine moved to Murphy to be closer to Ray, Toni, and Britni. Always up for a game of cards, he was the family card shark with a legacy of wins on every single holiday! His competitive nature was evident through his love of college sports, especially Oklahoma Sooners football and softball. Boomer Sooner! An avid bowler, Joe loved sharing his expertise with family or anyone down at the lanes. Throughout his 94 years, he stayed up-to-date with current events whether it be through the newspaper, radio, television, and eventually online with his iPad. Until his recent hospitalization, Joe’s weekly activities centered around fellowship with cherished friends from the First Baptist Church of Murphy. Known as “Dad” to so many, it is obvious that Joe’s calling was to selflessly provide for others. Although we are heartbroken, we know this good and faithful servant has entered into the joy of his lord.

In lieu of flowers, the family request donations to the benevolence fund at First Baptist Church Murphy.