In Memory of a Great Man
In Honor of William Marshal Driggins
Jan 26, 1918- Sept 26, 2005
Local Co-Founder of Bird Rescue
“Fly’s Away”
William Marshal Driggins, Born January 26, 1918, in Corning, New York, was called home to be with the Lord on September 26, 2005, in Portland, Oregon. He was 87.
William Marshall Driggins, son of Augustine and Mary Driggins of Corning, New York, is preceded in death by George Alfred, Elizabeth Emily, Eleanor D., Augustine Thomas, Olive Ester, Phillip Lee, John Lewis, Mary Matilda, Catherine Lavita, Townsend Lawrence, and Sylvester Lawrence of New York. Having many members of his family who suffered from diabetes inspired him to seek an education in dietary needs. He received his Bachelor’s degree in Dietetics at Tuskegee Institute, Tuskegee, Alabama.
He was a graduate student of Dr. George W. Carver. He entered Columbia University in 1941. His schooling was interrupted by WWII. He served as one of the first Black commissioned officers, 1st LT, in the U.S. Army Chemical Corps in Australia, New Guinea, and the Philippines. After an Honorable discharge in 1945, William continued his education and returned to Columbia University, NYC, NY, to complete his Master’s degree in Institutional Management. William was an assistant. Professor at Morgan State College, Baltimore, MD, and Director of Commercial Dietetics at Tuskegee Institute, Alabama. He moved to Iowa and attended Iowa State University in Ames, IA, to pursue his doctorate degree. Family obligations included an ill elderly father-in-law and raising five children with his wife, Trudy, which interrupted his education and, in pursuit of his career, challenged him, and he accepted a position as Chief Steward of a Penal Institution in Anamosa, Iowa. Director of Food Service at Jackson State Prison, Jackson, Michigan; Food Administrator at California State Hospital in Camarillo, California; and Chino Correctional Youth Authority at Chino, California.
After the loss of his first wife, Trudy, William remarried an old acquaintance, Ellen Torrance-Law, and they enjoyed the golden years of retirement in Portland, Oregon.
Over the last fifteen years, he was an active member of the Century-Old Grand Knights for the Knights of Columbus. For 10 years of his tender age. He had the Honor of holding the position of Grand Knight of Chapter 687 of Portland. The president of the NW Bird Rescue & Adoption Orphanage of Vancouver, Washington, is with his youngest son, Christopher Driggins.
William is preceded in death by his wife, Ellen-Law; daughter, Virginia Judith; sons, William Anthony and Butch Driggins; and first wife, Gertrude Ferguson Driggins. Surviving children include Darryl Michael Driggins, Henderson, NV; Ellevese Jodie Wilson, Ames, IA; and Christopher James Driggins, Vancouver, Washington, and five Grandchildren.
Two services are scheduled. The first service shall be on Wednesday, October 5, 2005, at 12:00 noon in the Holy Redeemer Church. 25 N. Portland Blvd, Portland, Oregon 97211 . The second service will be held at the Forest Lawn Funeral Home, West Covina, California, where he will be interned with his first wife, Gertrude Ferguson Driggins.
His wishes include that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to his beloved Bird Rescue Organization. The non-profit organization he worked so hard to develop addresses a great need for the birds he loved so much.