Damon Elliott Dreher

DAMON ELLIOTT DREHER, departed this life on March 12, 2019. He was born on October 10, 1950 in Columbia, South Carolina to the late Edward and Eliza Ryal Dreher. Damon was the youngest of 12 children. As a youth, he was baptized and attended St John’s Baptist Church in Columbia, South Carolina. He graduated from C. A. Johnson High School in the Class of 1969 where he was a star athlete that played football, basketball and ran track. At Virginia Union University (VUU), he was the Middle Linebacker #63 (Big Daddy) for the Panthers and would always affectionately say to anyone that was not a Panther “It’s so hard to be a Panther.” After VUU, he was blessed with the opportunity to try out for the Dallas Cowboys in 1974. An experience that he always says that he will never forget. Damon was later inducted into the VUU Hall of Fame. His favorite football teams were Varina, VUU Panthers, Pittsburgh Steelers and later became a Norfolk State Spartan fan. While attending Virginia Union University from 1971 to 1974, he met his loving wife and best friend, Deborah Ann Hunter of East Orange, NJ and celebrated 43 years of life together. From this union, they had two children, Lamar Bernard and Dana LaRhonda. Damon and his family has been a member of Antioch Baptist Church for many years. His spiritual blessing was being a member of the Antioch Men’s Chorus, Men’s Ministry, and the Security Ministry which he loved being a part of. He attended church every Sunday until his health declined. Damon retired from Kaiser Aluminum after thirty-seven years of service and became a full time gardener working in the yard which he loved doing from sunrise to sunset. Damon loved to laugh, making others laugh and did not mind being the center of attention. Damon had a lovable personality which drew others to him with his big heart and willingness to help others. He will be missed by all who knew him. He leaves to cherish his memories devoted wife, Deborah Dreher, children Lamar Dreher (Sissy), Dana Dreher-Rodwell (Craig, Sr.); seven grandchildren, Craig, Jr., Branden, Jordan, Jaden, Marcus, Zariah and Trevis; great-granddaughter, Madison; adored mother-in-law, Sylvia Hunter; two brothers, Jody Dreher and Hamp Dreher (Connie); four sisters, Inez Yarborough, Ethel Thomas, Annie Bailey (Cornell) and Sara Canty, three sisters-in-law, Marilyn Dreher, Gwen Adams, and Donna Hunter; two brothers-in-law, Kevin Hunter and Keith Hunter (Annette); host of nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.

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Damon Elliott Dreher

October 10, 1950 - March 12, 2019