Ronald G. Driggers

Ronald G. Driggers, of Ligonier died May 8, 2024 at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital. He died unexpectedly but peacefully surrounded by his family from Pulmonary Fibrosis, a disease he battled for a short time.  Ron was born February 23, 1946 in Kingstree, South Carolina to the late Clarence Eugene Driggers and Louise (Wilder) Edwards, and was raised in his beloved beach town Pawleys Island, SC, spending several years throughout his youth in Western PA attending Norwin School District elementary and high schools.  He graduated in 1964 from Winyah High School in Georgetown, SC where he was one of South Carolina’s top cross country distance runners.  His running passion remained throughout his life and for many years you would often find Ron competing at local 5k & 10k races in Westmoreland and Allegheny County.  For over ten years he used his vast running experience to coach both girls Track and Field and Cross Country teams at his son and daughter's high school, Greensburg Central Catholic.  Ron was drafted and served 13 months in the Vietnam War with the rank of Sergeant in the 5th Combat Engineer Battalion, US Marine Corps.  With his love of country, he stood for justice, Constitutional rights and freedom for all and was self-described as one of the original "Patriots.” He was a member of the Ligonier American Legion Post 267.  After being honorably discharged, Ron began his career in the apprenticeship program as a journeyman wireman in Charlotte, North Carolina.  He eventually relocated to Western Pennsylvania where he worked for many years as a Union Electrician with IBEW Local #5. The last 20+ years of his career were spent at his favorite job in Facilities Maintenance at Kennametal Inc.'s World Headquarters in Latrobe, PA where he retired in 2011.  In retirement, one of Ron’s favorite pastimes began in 2014 as part of his daughter's and son-in-law, Ashlee and Chef Greg Andrews, local company The Pickled Chef, where he was found most Saturday mornings under their tent at the Ligonier Country Market acting as head of the road crew, babysitter to August and Audra, general problem solver and jack-of-all trades which will forever be appreciated, cherished and greatly missed by all.  Ron is survived by his two children, son, Shawn Driggers (Joy) of Greensburg and daughter, Ashlee (Greg) Andrews of Unity Township and her mother Deb Driggers. He was proud "Pap' to Harbor and Wilder Driggers and August and Audra Lou Andrews. He was the oldest of five siblings including sisters Judy (Bill) Wiggins, Trish Driggers, Ellen (Alan) Walters and brother, Bill (Debra) Starnes. In addition, his loving partner of over ten years, Nancy Stout and many nieces and nephews.  Family and Friends will be received from 1-3 pm on Sunday, May 19 at LEO M. BACHA FUNERAL HOME, INC., 2072 Route 130, Pleasant Unity, PA.  A memorial mass will be held at 10am on Monday, May 20 at St Vincent Basilica Parish in Latrobe.  Please go directly to the church on Monday.  In Lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Ron's name to Ligonier American Legion Post #267, 109 Kelly Street, Ligonier, PA 15658. 

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