John Crawford Driggers Jr.

Posted on October 23, 2026

John Crawford Driggers Jr., 49, of Perry passed away unexpectedly on Monday, Oct. 19, 2026.

Born on July 11, 1977, John was a graduate of Taylor County High School and the proud owner and operator of A & O Site Prep LLC.

He had a deep love for fishing, the Gulf of Mexico and the Steinhatchee community. Known affectionately as “The Barefoot Swamp Dancer,” John was never one to blend into the background.

Whether he was casting a line in the Gulf, dancing barefoot at Fiddler’s or making friends with someone who hadn’t quite decided they wanted to be his friend yet, John lived life entirely on his own terms.

John never met a stranger and believed everyone ought to be friends. If he decided he liked you, well, congratulations – you had yourself a friend, whether you wanted one or not!

He had a way of bringing people together and leaving an impression on everyone he met. And if you had children in Steinhatchee, John quickly became “Uncle John” to them, whether they were related by blood or not.

Although John often joked that he was glad he never had daughters, his actions told a different story. He was fiercely protective of his stepdaughter, Kohatha, and extended that same protective spirit to the many young women working in the restaurants and bars throughout Steinhatchee. He looked after them as though they were his own daughters.

John was unapologetically himself – stubborn, outspoken and never one to leave you guessing where you stood.

As those who knew him best might say, “He was an asshole, but he was consistent. And if you knew John, you know exactly what that means.”

John is survived by: his wife of 18 years, Valena Reed Driggers; his mother, Sharon Driggers; his three sons, Trey Driggers, Trevor Driggers and Travis Driggers (Claire); and his stepchildren, Kohatha Vaughn, Steve Berryhill (Morgan) and CJ Sturdivant.

He is also survived by: his four grandchildren, Morgan, Caden, Carlie and Alizah Driggers; his siblings, Angela Hornsby, Kristina Jones (Marcus), Joe Gaskin, Malinda Gaskin, Lena Floyd, Sonja Tallman, Christine Lovell and Lea Gale; numerous nieces and nephews; extended family members; and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, John Crawford Driggers Sr.

Family and friends are invited to gather on Friday, Oct. 23, from 6-8 p.m. at Joe P. Burns Funeral Home.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, Oct. 24, at 10:30 a.m. at Kathi’s Krab Shack, 202 15th Street East, Steinhatchee. Refreshments will be provided as family and friends gather to share memories and celebrate John’s life.

Later that evening, family and friends are invited to gather at The Dive at Fiddler’s Restaurant & Resort, 1306 South Riverside Drive, Steinhatchee, at 7:30 p.m. to raise a glass and share a toast in John’s honor.

In keeping with John’s wishes, his life will be celebrated through memories, laughter and the stories of those who knew and loved him.