Garvin Taylor Dreger, Jr.

Garvin Taylor Dreger, Jr.

Age 66, of Hoschton, Georgia

Passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, on Saturday, March 8, 2025.

Born on January 29, 1959, in Clearwater, Florida, Garvin was the second of three children born to Garvin Taylor Dreger and Joan Elaine Hale Dreger. He cherished his role as the middle sibling, sharing loving memories with his sister, Dana Lee, and brother, Jamie. The family moved to Sandy Springs, Georgia, where Garvin graduated as valedictorian from Riverwood High School in 1977. He went on to earn his Bachelor of Industrial Engineering Technology, with high honors, from Southern Technical Institute in 1985.

It was during his time at Southern Tech that Garvin met the love of his life, Christine Ferranti, and her charming daughter, Jessica Brooke. In 1982, Garvin and Chris married in Roswell, Georgia. Over the years, they built their family, adding two more beautiful daughters: Laura Nicole and Melanie Kristen. Shortly before the birth of their third daughter, Garvin completed his Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Operations Management from Georgia State University in 1989.

Garvin’s professional career spanned more than three decades, primarily at Lockheed Martin, where he worked from 1986 until his retirement in 2018 as Senior Manager of Production Operations Aero IT. Lockheed honored him with several awards including, the Aeronautics division's highest award, the Aero Star, as well as the information technology department’s highest award, the Pinnacle Award.

Outside of his career, Garvin was a passionate sports enthusiast. He loved playing, watching, and coaching all things sports, with golf being his favorite. He made two hole-in-ones and had the honor of playing at Augusta National Golf Club alongside his father. Although golf was his favorite sport to play, coaching softball was a particular joy. He was especially honored to have coached the 8U State Champion team, Blue Thunder, and later helped develop the fastpitch program, coaching the original West Cobb X-Plosion travel team. Garvin was an avid fan of the Atlanta Braves and the Atlanta Falcons. He attended Falcons games with his father, who had been a season ticket holder since the inaugural season in 1966, and later took over the tickets himself. His love for the team remained strong, and he continued attending games for many years. He was a dedicated supporter of Georgia Tech, where his wife and father worked—Go Jackets!

Garvin’s interests spanned from playing Scrabble with his wife, to billiards, skiing, body surfing, and spending time in the yard (often followed by an ice-cold beer). He enjoyed listening to classic rock, cracking jokes, and sharing moments with his firstborn granddaughter, shouting “soy sauce” together. Garvin was known for his big heart, hard work, and zest for life; he will be remembered for his sharp advice, witty humor, and unbounded love.

Garvin is survived by daughters, Jessica Igyarto (Pete) of Sugar Hill, GA; Laura Dreger (Matthew Igyarto) of Hoschton, GA; and Melanie Coe (Samuel) of Savannah, GA; nine beloved grandchildren: Taylor Marie, Rosemary Grace, Christopher Matthew, Autumn Christine, Joseph Maximus, Jax Edward, Olive Everly, Liliana Nichola, and Oliver Wallace; sister, Dana Lee Dreger; brother, James Hale Dreger; family, Betsy Dreger; sisters-in-law, Susan (Steve), Jennifer (Scott), Karen, and Linda; and many aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.

Garvin was preceded in death by his wife of 34 years, Christine Ferranti Dreger; parents, Joan Dreger and Garvin Dreger; paternal grandparents, Sarah Taylor Dreger and Wilson Terrell Dreger Jr.; maternal grandparents, Dorothy Darling Hale and Joseph Herndon Hale; and his in-laws, Joan Faye Beck and her husband, Steve Gerald Beck, and James Anthony Ferranti.

The family would like to extend special thanks to Matthew Igyarto for his unwavering commitment and exceptional care for Garvin in his time of need.

A private Celebration of Life will be held, with the date to be determined. If you would like to be kept abreast of the arrangements, please contact one of Garvin’s daughters. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or a local youth sports club in his honor.

Braselton Funeral Home

5257 Hwy 53, Braselton, Georgia 30517

Send online condolences to www.memorialparkfuneralhomes.com