Dragan Stankovic

Dragan Stankovic, age 71, of Gaffney, SC passed away peacefully on February 24, 2026 after suffering, a traumatic brain injury.

Born in Serbia (formerly known as Yugoslavia), he was a loving son to Mladen Stankovic and the late Nada Stankovic. When Dragan was eight years old his family immigrated to the United States. He grew up in Cleveland, Ohio where he still has many lifelong friends. He became a US citizen and graduated from Baldwin Wallace University in 1977 where he was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity.

Dragan moved to North Carolina to begin his first job at Union Carbide Battery Products in Asheboro, North Carolina where he met his best friend and life partner, Mary Lillian Elliott. He had a dedicated career in several business ventures in the Greensboro and Charlotte areas before moving to Gaffney, SC and establishing Dragon Plating and Anodizing. When he retired, he enjoyed raising cows, playing pickleball, working out at the YMCA and walking for his health.

Dragan enjoyed community life in Gaffney and made many close, personal friends with his easy smile. One friend said, “I could write a thesis on my love and friendship for Dragan.” Another expressed gratitude for his wisdom and encouragement, much like the love of a brother or the guidance of a father. His association with the Crustbreakers and Sebagos friendship groups were a special source of joy for him, where brotherhood relationships were made –and remain.

Dragan is survived by Mike Stankovic, Mary Lillian Elliott, and his extended family, the Zlatic family. He is also lovingly remembered by his Godson, Batica Mitrovic, and Goddaughters, Blair Willis, Nicole Dudley, and Elsie Ligori. In addition to his family, Dragan leaves behind many cherished friends. He was predeceased by his grandparents and his mother.

Visitation will be held at the DONALD A. FAULHABER FUNERAL HOME, 7915 Broadview Road (at Sprague) on Tuesday, March 3 from 10:30 am until 12 noon. A prayer service will be held at 12 noon followed by a funeral service at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church, 2151 W. Wallings Road at 12:15 PM. V. Rev. Mijoljub Matic officiating.

Interment St. Sava Cemetery

A Celebration of Life will be held in Gaffney, SC at a later date.

Dragan was generous in nature and admired the work of this church and these charities, where gifts in his memory can be made in lieu of flowers:

Saint Sava Serbian Orthodox Church, 2151 W. Wallings Road, Broadview Heights, Ohio 44147

Kids Club Upstate, PO Box 1401, Gaffney, SC 29342

Cherokee County Meals on Wheels, P.O. Box 1886, Gaffney, SC 29342

The family expresses deep gratitude for the love and support shown for Dragan and his family.

“Neka mu je laka crna zemlja.”

God rest his soul.