Jesse Wayne Dreggors

Jesse Wayne Dreggors passed away peacefully on his 74th birthday, December 16, 2024, in Orange City, Florida, due to the effects of Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus.

Wayne was born on December 16, 1950, in DeLand, Florida, to Bill and Jo Lewis Dreggors. He graduated from DeLand High School in 1968 and pursued higher education at Stetson University, earning a BA in English and an MA in Guidance and Counseling. He later earned a Master of Public Administration from UCF during his distinguished career in mental health services.

As a Mental Health Counselor and CEO of ACT Corporation, and later as Senior Vice President at Seminole Behavioral Healthcare, Wayne dedicated his life to helping others. He also served as past Chairman of The Florida Council of Community Mental Health and was actively involved with the National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors, where his leadership and compassion left an indelible impact.

Wayne’s commitment to service extended into his community and church. A devoted member of First Presbyterian Church of DeLand, he served as a liturgist, elder, and disciple portrayer during Maundy Thursday and Palm Sunday services. He was a DeLand Rotary Paul Harris Fellow, former President of the DeLand Museum of Art Board of Trustees, and a proud member of Phi Kappa Phi.

 A man of many talents and passions, Wayne was an avid reader, history buff, and lover of music. He enjoyed tennis, golf, running, chess, and “croquet golf.” He truly came alive performing lead vocals and occasional kazoo solos with his rock and roll band, composed of lifelong friends. To his family, he was a skilled gourmet chef who delighted in preparing meals, often filling the house with the smell of garlic.

Wayne is survived by his beloved wife, Leah, daughters Angie Slappey (Bryan) and Sarah Dowdell (Chris), grandchildren Jess Osterhout (John), Kevin Slappey, Evelyn Dowdell, and Laura Dowdell, two great-grandchildren, and his best friends David Disney and Tony Santilli.

 A celebration of Wayne’s life will be held at 2 PM on Saturday, December 28, in the Fellowship Hall of First Presbyterian Church of DeLand. Attendees are invited to wear casual clothing and if they so desire, Wayne’s favorite—a Hawaiian shirt.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Presbyterian Church of DeLand at www.fpcdeland.org.

Wayne’s kindness, humor, and love will be deeply missed by all who knew him, but his legacy of compassion and joy will live on in the hearts of his family, friends, and community.