William Thomas Draper

William Thomas Draper, age 91, of Scotland Neck, passed away on Tuesday, July 14, 2020 at his home.

He was born on January 11, 1929 to the late James and Lillie Cannon Draper in Pitt County, NC.  William was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend to many.  He served in the US Army during World War II and completed over 20 years of service with the National Guard.  In his younger years, William worked for Alexander Food Store, the Curve In, and Beasley Lumber Company.  He owned and operated Draper Printing Company, published the Scotland Neck Circular for 22 years, and worked for the Scotland Neck Commonwealth for 25 years.  He served as a Magistrate for Halifax County for 33 years and was a retired Scotland Neck Volunteer Fireman.  William was a member of the Kiwanis Club, the Lions Club, the Jr. Order, the American Legion, and was on the board of the Better Business Bureau in Scotland Neck.  A member of the First Baptist Church of Scotland Neck, he served as Deacon, sang in the choir, and served in many other capacities.  William was a hardworking man who was dedicated to his community and his family.  He will be greatly missed.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his first wife of 59 years, Barbara Cartledge Draper; his sisters, Alma Hadlow, Margaret Elizabeth Parker, and Lillie Mae Strickland; his brother, Johnnie Draper; his daughter-in-law, Patricia Ann Draper; his 2nd wife, Judith Hyman Draper; and his special companion, Lena Simmons.

William is survived by his daughter, Deborah Moore and husband Milton of Scotland Neck; his sons, Bill Draper and wife Leigh of Scotland Neck and Nelson Draper of Boykins, VA; seven granddaughters, Deborah Powell, Crystal Davis, Margaret Dodson, Gloria Dodson, Ali Draper, Selena Boyette, and Kelly McClenny; four grandsons, Jimmy Dodson, Charles Dodson, Bill Hatch, and Tracy Hatch; five great-granddaughters, Della Powell, Nora Grace Powell, Hannah Medlin, Georgia Boyette, and Olivia Hatch; six great-grandsons, Dylan Heath, Julian Pray, J. Carter Boyette, Ayden Hatch, Tracy Hatch, Jr., and Noah James Dodson; three great-great-grandsons, Caiden Medlin, Chase Medlin, and Zander McClenny; special nieces, Lillian Everett and Snooky Tolson; and numerous other nieces and nephews..

Letchworth-Sykes Funeral Service will be open for friends and family to view Mr. Draper, pay their last respects, and sign the guest register from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 16, 2020.  Due to state guidelines face masks will be required.

A celebration of life graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, July 17, 2020 at Sunnyside Cemetery in Scotland Neck, with Rev. Paul Spradley and Rev. Dr. James Drake officiating.  Due to state guidelines face masks will be required.

Memorial contributions may be made directly to the First Baptist Church of Scotland Neck, P.O. Box 539, Scotland Neck, NC 27874 or online by clicking here.

Letchworth-Sykes Funeral Service in Scotland Neck is handling the arrangements for the Draper family and online condolences can be directed to the family by visiting letchworthsykesfs.com.