Elbert Dreher

Deacon Elbert Dreher, 93, of Chapin, South Carolina, passed away peacefully at his home on March 8, 2026. Born on July 22, 1932, to the late Willie Haskell Lee Dreher and Willie Mae Inez Dreher, he lived a life marked by deep faith, hard work, and unwavering devotion to family and community.

Elbert was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 73 years, Myrlain Dreher, and his brothers Bernard, John Wesley, Robert, Carl, Thurnell, and Marshall Dreher. He is survived by his seven children: Mack A. Dreher (Kaye), Stella D. Mayers, Catha Wise (Larry), Linda Bowers (Jerry), Raynard Dreher (Nancy), Elmer Dreher (Annette), and Bryant Dreher (Pamela). He is also survived by his brothers Henry Dreher of Chapin, Gary Dreher (Ruby) of Chapin, and Lawrence Dreher (Bertina) of Clinton, Maryland, as well as his sisters ShaMaria Reeves (Roland) of Fayetteville, North Carolina, Constance Mayers (O’Neal) of Chapin, and Vera Dreher Gallman of Prosperity. He leaves behind a large and loving family, including 24 named grandchildren, sixty great-grandchildren, eight great-great-grandchildren, and many special adopted children, nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends. Known affectionately as “Wild Bill,” he served as an honorary father, grandfather, and uncle to many.

A lifelong member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Chapin, Elbert accepted Christ at a young age and faithfully served as a Deacon for many years. He worked for Thurston Motor Lines and Brown Motor Company for 45 years before retiring and founding his own business, Dreher Sanitation, which served the community for more than 25 years. He loved to travel, dance, and smile, and he never met a stranger. Strong in body and even bigger in heart, Elbert lived with joy, love, dedication, and remarkable strength. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.