Willie "Bill" Draper
Gate City, VA | August 07, 2012Bill Draper – Gate City, VA
Willie "Bill" Draper, 86, went to be with the Lord on Monday, August 6, 2012. He was born at home in Gate City, VA on April 20, 1926.
Mr. Draper was preceded in death by his parents, James V. and Bessie Freeman Draper; his brothers, Claude and Jim Draper and sister, Berniece Draper Williams.
He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Moya W. Draper of the home; son ,Jeffrey Claude Draper and wife Noemi of Falls Church, VA, grandson, Andrew Thomas Draper of Belvidere, NC; as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Bill was a graduate of the Class of 1943 from Shoemaker High School before serving in the U.S. Army during WWII. After his discharge from the Army, Bill attended the University of Rochester while working at Eastman Kodak Company. After graduating from the University of Rochester, he returned home to Gate City and worked at Tennessee Eastman until his retirement in 1985.
He belonged to the United Methodist Church where he was very active. In 1959 he joined the Gate City Civitan Club and was an avid worker on their many projects. Over the years Bill served the young people through Scouting, Little League and Church programs, as well as serving his community in many ways. He became a regular volunteer at the Scott County Ministerial Assoc. Food Pantry as soon as it opened.
The family wishes to thank the Holston Valley Medical Center, the many Doctors and nurses who cared for him as well as the multitude of friends who provided their support.
The family will receive friends from 2-4p.m., Thursday, August 9, 2012 at the Gate City United Methodist Church. Funeral services will be conducted at 4:00 p.m. by Rev. Betzy Elifrits Warren and Rev. Jim Harless; The Gate City United Methodist Church Choir will provide the music. Members of the Gate City Civitan Club will serve as honorary pallbearers
Mr. Draper chose to be cremated; a Private Burial will be conducted for Mr. Draper at a later date.
Donations may be made in honor of Bill to the Scott County Ministerial Assoc. Food Pantry or the Gate City United Methodist Church
An online guest register is available for the Draper family at www.gatecityfunerals.com.
Gate City Funeral Home is honored to be serving the family of Willie "Bill" Draper.
Condolences
I had done computer repair work for Bill in the past, but was't aware of his passing. Each time that I spoke with him, he was always very nice. I am sorry for your loss.Posted by: Shannon Carico, January 03, 2013
Mrs. Draper and Family,
I was blessed to know and work with Bill at Eastman a few years ago. He was always smiling and such a joy to be around. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Posted by: Nancy Fletcher Julian, August 09, 2012
Mrs. Draper,
There was probably not a man in Gate City more loved than Bill. From selling Claxton fruitcakes for Civitan, To his work and love for God and his church and his dedication to the food pantry and many others passions he served, he blessed and touched many lives.
We will be eternally grateful for his bringing Ginette Kern Loury into our lives and the blessing she was to our family.
Our thoughts and prayers will continue to be with you.
Bill and Priscilla
Posted by: Bill and Priscilla Pendleton, August 09, 2012
To the Family — I have known Bill Draper for as long as I can remember, growing up on Cypress Street in Gate City. He was a true gentleman in every sense of the word, and was always there for others. The community and America have lost another very distinguished member of the Greatest Generation. My sincere condolences.
Posted by: Bill Richmond, August 09, 2012
Mrs. Draper, Jeff I am so sorry for you loss I really enjoyed knowing Mr. Draper he was always so happy and smiling. I never saw him when he was not happy. I am working today and cannot leave but please know my thoughts and prayers are there with you today. Dana
Posted by: Dana Whited Steel, August 09, 2012
I met Bill at Eastman but had known him forever it seems because he was always around Gate City. He loved his hometown and was always smiling and happy. He was a great encourager to people and never met a stranger. In a way he was like "Murphy" the little guy that had a clothing store in his behavior and love of people and his hometown. They were ambassodors of what and how people should live and love during their life! May you always be proud in what he brought to all the lives that were touched by him!
Harold and Marie Snodgrass
Posted by: Harold and Marie Snodgrass, August 09, 2012
Dear "Mo" and Jeff,
I don't have to tell you just how very special Bill Draper was!
But I do want to remind you both of what a special person Bill was to me. From Christian mentor to Friend, my heart will always have a spot for Bill.
My love to you both.
Pam Johnson
Houston, TX
Posted by: Pamela L Johnson, August 09, 2012
Moya,experiencing the death of a husband is so personal that very few of us can understand the grief involved. Perhaps it will help to ease your sadness if you know that Bill will be greatly missed by all of his friends,and that we all share in your sadness.Bill was one of the most charming and warmest men I have ever known.I will never forget him.My love is with you, Dorinda
Posted by: Dorinda T.Bradshaw, August 09, 2012
Bill and Moya Draper have been special friends of our family and especially the Steiner family. Moya, Jeff and family you are in our thoughts and prayers and we know
God will be near and will comfort you.
With our love,
Skipper & Pam Theobald
Chuck Steiner
Posted by: skipper theobald, August 08, 2012
Uncle Bill was an incredible loving man. He put a smile on your face when you didn't know where to find one and always was there no matter what else he had going on. I will miss him very much! My love, thoughts and prayers to Aunt Moya, Jeff, Noemi, Andrew and family.
Posted by: Becky Fields, August 08, 2012
Moya ,I am so sorry to hear of Bills passing.Gate City has lost one of its best citizens.My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Posted by: Ann Robertson, August 08, 2012
MRS. DRAPER AND JEFF, I'M SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS.
Posted by: WOODY MINNICH, August 08, 2012
May God bless you at this time of life that we all must pass thru.
Although I didn't know Bill other than thru telephone calls to discuss family history, I descended thru the Freeman family (Joseph Anderson Freeman) who was my Grandfather.
Glen Larkin
Jefferson, GA 30549
Posted by: Glen Larkin, August 08, 2012
My thoughts and prayers go up for the family. I knew Bill through Civitan. He was a wonderful and selfless man. he will be truly missed. God bless...Kim
Posted by: Kim Moore, August 07, 2012
I am so sorry to hear of Bill's passing, but he is in a much better place free from pain. Bill always had a hug for me no matter where I seen him at. I meet Bill through the Civitian and thought alot of him. He will be missed by all. If there is any thing I can do please let me know. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Donna Armstrong
Posted by: Donna Armstrong, August 07, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all! We consider it such a privilege to have known such fine man!
Posted by: Liz & Tom Bowen, August 07, 2012
I'm so sorry ...I just found out from one of my co-workers at the hospital. I really enjoyed getting to know Bill and Moya. Bill was a fine man. We will all miss him but thank GOD because of JESUS we will see him again in heaven. I remember when I meet Bill last year,I asked him if he was saved...he didn't just say yes, he was joyful in his answer and asked me where I went to church and told me where he went and on and on. You could tell that Bill absolutely had the HOLY SPIRIT in him.Even when he had a real bad day health wise he kept his humor. You could tell him a joke and even in pain you would always see him grin smile or laugh. He would worry more about others than his self.He was ,and (still is) a wonderful man cause ( HE IS with GOD now.)
Charlie Bales,
The bald headed PCT/CNA
at Holston Valley Hospital
on the 4th floor
Posted by: Charlie Bales, August 07, 2012
Mrs. Draper,
Mr. Draper was such a precious man! He will be greatly missed by everyone who was blessed to know him. You and he were always the best neighbors and I have missed seeing you both since having moved from Cypress Street. I am so sorry I will not be able to attend the services as I will be working that day. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I love you!
Jan
Posted by: Jan Jenkins, August 07, 2012
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