Harry Wayne Driggers' Obituary
Harry Wayne Driggers, affectionately known as Wayne, passed away on Saturday, August 17, 2024, at the Ascension St. John Medical Center in Tulsa. He was 70 years old.
Wayne was born at Fort Hood, Texas, and spent his childhood moving from place to place as an "army brat," but he called the Carolinas home for most of his life. His senior year of high school brought him to Fort Riley, Kansas. From there, he played baseball for Kansas State University in Manhattan. After completing his bachelor's degree in health, physical education, and recreation, with additional studies in horticulture, Wayne accepted a position at Oral Roberts University (ORU) in Tulsa in 1981 and made the Tulsa area his permanent home.
Despite a challenging upbringing, Wayne was blessed with relatives and mentors who provided him with a strong spiritual foundation. In gratitude, he dedicated much of his life to mentoring young people, beginning in 1983 with his service in children's church. His natural affinity for children stemmed from his own youthful spirit and his inability to sit still. Wayne was also musically gifted, playing harmonica, guitar, and learning the keyboard. He sang in the choir and occasionally joined his wife, JoAnn, in duets, but what brought him the most joy was listening to his daughters sing.
Wayne's career was as varied as his interests. He started as a contractor for Bell's and the Fairgrounds, eventually taking on multiple roles. Known for working long hours, especially during the Tulsa State Fair, Wayne supervised projects such as "Little Hands," added landscape beauty, and ensured overnight cleanup was done efficiently. His dedication was recognized when he received the Outstanding Energy Efficiency Manager Award in 2012 from PSO.
Wayne began his college journey at Emporia State University on a baseball scholarship and later completed his degree at Kansas State University, where he also served as an assistant baseball coach. His love for sports extended throughout his life, as he continued to play baseball and softball into adulthood. His team even won the Softball World Series in 1988. A fierce competitor, Wayne enjoyed playing all sports, including golf, which he continued to play after retirement while working at South Lakes Golf Course to enjoy free rounds.
Wayne is survived by his loving wife, JoAnn; his three daughters, Jade Katherine (Driggers), Kristy (Driggers) Hoffman and her husband, Josh, and Kaitlyn Driggers; his cherished grandchildren, Gabrielle (Hoffman) Radabaugh, Avery (Hoffman) Poole, Haley Hoffman, Cadence, Ainsley, and Josiah Hoffman; and his sister, Sheron (Driggers) Blankenship. He was preceded in death by his parents and his baby sister, Rebecca.
A funeral ceremony to honor Wayne's remarkable life will be held at 10 AM on Friday at Spirit Life Church in Tulsa. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery. The family will receive visitors from 6-8 PM on Thursday at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the First Tee of Tulsa, an organization that reflects Wayne's passion for mentoring and sports.
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