City historian and advocate known as ‘Mr. DeLand’

The West Volusia community lost one of its greatest advocates and historians Friday after the death of William “Bill” Joshua Dreggors Jr. otherwise known by many as “Mr. DeLand.”

Born in 1926, the 90-year-old was a fourthgeneration and lifelong resident of DeLand who was often seen dressed up as the city’s namesake — Henry DeLand — and in classrooms where he taught school-aged children about the city and county’s rich history. Dreggors’ obituary, posted online by Lankford Funeral Home and Crematory, states he died “peacefully” in Orange City on Friday.

DeLand Mayor Bob Apgar said Saturday that Dreggors worked vigorously to preserve the city’s history.

“He made history come alive, particularly for the young people,” Apgar said in a phone interview.

Dreggors attended DeLand High School and then served in the Navy before returning to the area and working for Florida Power Corp. for 42 years, his obituary states. Then, he started his “second career” as a folk historian. Dreggors also helped found the West Volusia Historical Society, where he served as the executive director for several years.

Dreggors was also known for his autobiography, “Hot Sand and Sandspurs,” which included the history and culture of Florida Crackers in DeLand.

The historical society and city of DeLand both posted on Facebook on Saturday that they were “saddened” to learn of Dreggors’ death.

Apgar said Dreggors was, and still is, “an icon” for the area who led the City Commission to become more “history-conscious.” Apgar said it was Dreggors’ idea for the city to buy and restore the Henry DeLand House Museum and relocate the DeLand Parks and Recreation Department’s administrative offices to the fully restored historical Memorial Hospital Building, built in 1920, at 230 North Stone St. The land, paved walking path and Freedom Playground were named “Bill Dreggors Park.”

Many West Volusia residents shared memories of Dreggors on Facebook. One woman said she remembers Dreggors dressing up as Santa Claus when she was a little girl. Another proclaimed him an “amazing man, father and friend.”

Apgar said Dreggors’ generosity could be seen every Thanksgiving when he would cook turkeys for the local police and fire departments, and Apgar would help deliver the meals.

Dreggors was also a life member of the DeLand Breakfast Rotary Club and a Paul Harris Fellow, his obituary states.

Dreggors is survived by his wife, Irene W. Dreggors; son and daughter-in-law, Wayne and Leah Dreggors; brother James H. Dreggors; grandchildren, Angela Slappey and Sarah Dowdell; and four great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his stepson, Sam Thurmond; stepdaughter Saralee Squires and step-granddaughter Christina Thurmond.