Joseph Warren Dreher

Joseph Warren Dreher "Joe" born-quite appropriately for a man so patriotic-on July 4, 1947, in Columbia, South Carolina, passed away peacefully on November 19, 2025. Joe always thought sharing a birthday with the United States was a sign he should love his country with extra enthusiasm, and he spent a lifetime proving that theory correct. Joe was the son of Yancey Butler Dreher, Jr. and Rosalie Bodie Dreher, both of Columbia, South Carolina.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 49 years, Linda Martin Dreher, who first caught his eye (and kept it forever) while he was stationed-of all places-at Grand Forks Air Force Base in Grand Forks, North Dakota, during his service in the United States Air Force. He is also survived by his daughters, Heather Susanne Dreher of Edisto Beach and Lauren Dreher Deaton (Rad) of Hanahan, was "Papa Joe" to grandchildren Madison, Dreher, and Anna Blake. He is further survived by his sisters Nancy Dreher and Linda Dreher of Columbia and his faithful four-legged shadow, Stella, who never once questioned his authority but often questioned his snack choices.

A proud graduate of Eau Claire High School, Joe served honorably in the Vietnam War before beginning his long career with the United States Postal Service, where he perfected both efficiency and the gentle art of good-natured grumbling. After retiring, he and Linda settled full-time at the place he loved most: Edisto Beach, where Joe became something of a local fixture-part gardener, part philosopher, part unofficial mayor. Joe approached his hobbies with the same intensity he applied to everything else. He tended his yard with near-military precision, achieving what many considered the most manicured lawn on the island - until his health no longer allowed him to do so. He loved to sit on the beach, eating boiled peanuts and listening to beach music and The Rolling Stones. And his Clemson Tigers? Joe loved them with an ardor that bordered on spiritual, seasonal, and occasionally cardiovascular.

A member of Trinity Church on Edisto Island, Edisto Island Yacht Club, and the Sons of Confederate Veterans, Joe lived a life rooted in tradition, community, and deep appreciation for the people and places he loved most. Joe will be remembered for his patriotism, his sharp wit, the easy laugh that seemed to arrive before the punchline, and the way he showed up-fully and faithfully-for his family, friends, and country. He was a man who loved big, worked hard, and never let a day pass without a little humor.

Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at mcalister-smith.com/. 

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to McAlister-Smith Funeral & Cremation, 869 St. James Avenue, Goose Creek, SC 29445, (843) 553-1511.