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Harold Draper Obituary
Memphis, TN
Harold Edward Draper, age 85, departed this life on July 7, 2018. He leaves behind his wife of 64 years, Claire Draper, his two children Sharilyn and Sandra Draper, his sisters Maxine Pugh and Charlotte Draper, and brothers Leonard and Barris Draper. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lafayette Sr. and Maxie S. Draper; two sisters, Nellie "Bonnie" Taylor and Annie Lois McCollins; and one brother, Lafayette L. Draper, Jr.
Born in Decatur, AL, Harold moved to Memphis soon after grade school. He graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in 1950 and attended Tuskegee University before being drafted to the U.S. Army in 1953. Upon completion of his military service, he completed undergraduate studies at Rust College and later received his Master's degree in Education from Arkansas State University. After college, he began teaching in the Memphis City Schools system and was soon promoted to principal of Willow Oaks Elementary, where he remained until his retirement in 1995.
Throughout his life, Harold gave generously of his time and resources. He was an active member of Collins Chapel C.M.E., where he served on the Board of Stewards and as Superintendent of Sunday School. His community service included active involvement in the Memphis-area Civitan Club until his retirement from the Memphis public school system.
Harold will be remembered as a loving husband and father, a faithful brother, and a loyal friend. His life will be celebrated with visitation held on Monday, July 16 from 4 – 7 p.m. at Collins Chapel C.M.E. Church, 678 Washington Avenue, Memphis 38105. Funeral service will be Tuesday, July 17 at 11 a.m. at Collins Chapel.
(901) 526-3264
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Harold Draper
David Gault
January 21, 2023
Thank you for being a wonderful teacher and leader!
James Hurlen Bolden, Jr
July 5, 2022
My hero, gone but not forgotten...
Joyce Myers
July 5, 2021
Rest in peace Mr. Draper. Thanks for allowing me the opportunity to assist in educating our students at Willow Oaks Elementary.
Linda Rowell
July 5, 2021
Mr Draper gave me my first teaching job. Such a kind, fair, and all around good boss. He is still missed !
Jennifer
March 3, 2021
He is a great man!!
Rt
March 1, 2021
He was my principal at wo from 71-76
Very fair but he would give you licks if you deserved it
You could hear his keys jingle walking down the hall
Sheila Posey
November 14, 2018
Nothing but fond memories of this gentleman during my children's time at Willow Oaks in the 80's.
Sylvia Stallworht
July 27, 2018
My condolences to the Draper family. I pray that the years of shared memories bring you comfort in the coming days, weeks and months ahead. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Sylvia Stallworth
FEMA Region IV
Jennifer Smiley
July 17, 2018
To the Draper family I offer my sincere prayer during your time of bereavement. Take comfort in knowing that his absence from his body took him straight into the presence of the Lord. Go ahead and cry. Just know it is always dark before dawn. Weeping may endure for a night but Joy comes in the morning.
Take care
Jennifer Smiley
July 17, 2018
In loving memory of one of the best men and principals I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. Rest In Peace Mr. Draper. You will never be forgotten. Your legacy lives on. Your living was not in vain.
Your colaborer
Jennifer Smiley
Belinda Biggert
July 17, 2018
My children attended Willow Oaks from 1977-83. We all thought Mr. Draper was a very kind and dedicated principal. He was always fair and willing to support any efforts to provide a great school experience for his students. He worked so well with our PTA volunteers. I learned a lot from him as did my children. I'm sure our Lord met him with a "Well done..." May God comfort all you friends and family.
Henrietta Elliott
July 17, 2018
Mrs. Draper you are in my prayers for strength and courage. Mr. Draper was loved by many and he did some much to help people. Each of us are left with lots of memories. Who doesn't remember the fruit cake we bought, because he sold them for a cause. Please know you can call me if you need anything.
Barry Ringold
July 17, 2018
May God Bless The Draper Family and relatives during this time. He's achievements say much as to the type of man he was. Now, he is in God's hands where God is saying "Well Done, My good and Faithful Servant!!"
Stay Strong, Blessed, and Prayed Up, Draper Family!! God is With You!!
Marsh Gibson
July 16, 2018
A very ELEGANT man!
Nancy Chapman Harvey
July 16, 2018
I attended Willow Oaks Elementary School when Mr. Draper first came. You could see him standing/monitoring the hallway swinging his arms freely. He did not have to say a word. His presence was amazing. Then when my son started school, there was Mr. Draper. Still there. What a leader for children!
Shirilyn Barrett
July 15, 2018
Mr. Draper was my favorite. I was at willow oaks elementary shy and untalkative. He brought me out of my shell with his humor and wit. I was able to open up and make friends. Thank-you, my life has become really productive because of you.
Shirilyn Barrett
Daniel Gray
July 15, 2018
Major Harold Draper had a vital part in my high school life at Hamilton High. He was my instructor in military classes that we then identified as the National Defense Cadet Corp (ROTC). He offered strong encouragement to achieve. I am very thankful for advice. It wasn't until graduation that I found out the Mrs. Draper was my 7th grade teacher (WOW). My deep sympathy is his homegoing, and prayers for his family
Debbie Mingledorff
July 15, 2018
Mr. Draper was such a great leader as principal at Willow Oaks. I was very fortunate to work with him from 1979-1992. He cared about the success and well being of everyone. He went out of his way everyday to work hard, listen, care, laugh, and uplift. His love of Christ was evident always.
Carla Johnson
July 15, 2018
To my Aunt Claire, Sharilyn and Sandra, my heart weighs heavy with love, sympathy and the comfort of the Lord who will give strength during this. I will truly miss the conversations we had, the words of encouragement he gave in guiding me through the tough times at work. Most of all being his personal cable TV technician.
Psalms 23
Rick Young
July 15, 2018
Cousin, you will be dearly missed. My family and I will love and cherish your memory.
July 15, 2018
Loving thoughts and prayers are with the family at this difficult time.
Lesa C. Halfacre
Maynard L. Montgomery
July 15, 2018
I will always remember Harold "Captain" Draper from ROTC at Hamilton High School. Many of the things he taught as far as ROTC and manhood came in handy when I was inducted into the military and were remembered and were useful throughout my progression from young adult into manhood. Well Done "Captain Draper". I remember and salute you. Thank You.
Lawrence Matlock
July 15, 2018
My condolences to the Draper family
James Hurlen Bolden
July 15, 2018
A mentor for me for the majority of my life. Captain Draper will be missed so much...
July 12, 2018
We are so very sorry for Mr. Draper passing. He has a wonderful daughter and was a very beloved father. His family is in our prayers.
Brooke Grey
Linda Rowell
July 12, 2018
Mr. Draper hired me at Willow Oaks for my first teaching job. He was a kind gentleman and will be missed. My sympathy to his whole family.
Linda Rowell
Joyce Myers
July 12, 2018
Thank you for being a great teacher at Hamilton Jr High, and an excellent principal for the students and staff at Willow Oaks. RIP
larry young
July 11, 2018
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
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