Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
Dr. Glenn Draper
1928 - 2019
Dr. Glenn Draper
1928 - 2019
Obituary
Guest Book
Glenn Draper Obituary
July 18, 1928-June 15, 2019
Chattanooga.
On June 15, Dr. Glenn Wright Draper went home to be with the Savior he had sung about for so many years. He entered the gates of heaven with the full assurance of his salvation.
He was pre deceased by his father John Wesley Draper, his mother Lois Draper, his brothers Gene and Doug Draper. He is survived by his loving wife Lounelle, his brother Bill Draper, his sons Glenn and Dean, his daughter in laws Ashley Draper and Cindy Draper, along with eight precious grandchildren. He is also survived by the countless lives he influenced during his long and illustrious career as a choral director. He was a mentor, friend, teacher and even a father figure to countless singers he directed for more than half a century.
Dr. Draper was born on July 18, 1928 in Roanoke, Virginia. His love of choral music thrust him into a career that included forming the Keesler Air Force Base Male Chorus, becoming Director of Music at Pheiffer College, the University of Miami, Coral Gables United Methodist Church, UT Chattanooga, the Lake Junaluska Singers, and the Glenn Draper Singers. In 1968 he teamed up with the late Ben Haden at First Presbyterian Church of Chattanooga, and soon his music was broadcast all over the world. His accolades are too numerous to mention, but he brought unparalleled passion and energy to everything he endeavored to do.
He set a godly example of how to be a husband and father. His love for his sweet wife Lounelle was on display for everyone to see. They were " a match made in heaven." She grabbed on to his coat tails and he took her on a 63 year adventure that most could only dream about. He was also the best father a son could ever have.
His legacy is the lives he influenced. Countless singers and students credit him for changing the course of their lives. They too, held on for dear life, as he took them all over the world. He loved each of them dearly.
Most importantly, he loved Jesus Christ. He gave his life to Him at a young age and his faith never wavered. He was a man of character, the same in private as he was in public. He shared the gospel message through music, and touched the hearts of thousands. And now he has gathered with the saints at the river that flows by the throne of God, forever praising Him.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, June 22nd at 1:00 PM. at First Presbyterian Church of Chattanooga. A reception will follow.
Memorial contributions can be made to First Presbyterian Church World Missions, Changed Lives, The UTC Choral Endowment, and The Lake Junaluska Singers.
Visit www.heritagechattanooga.com to share condolences to the family and to view Dr. Draper's memorial tribute.
The family will receive friends Friday, June 21 st from 4:00 pm until 8:00 pm at Heritage Funeral Home, 7454 E. Brainerd Road.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
3 Entries
Chris Butler
January 19, 2020
To The Loving Family Of Dr Glen Draper. I had the pleasure in meeting Glen, Lounelle and The Chattanooga singers when they were touring The U.K. about 30yrs ago. I was The Van driver that drove The Bands equipment and personal items around U.K and to the different venues. The music was first class and every person connected with The Singers were so friendly and welcoming. I particularly remember at the end of The Tour i was invited for a little celebration in London but also to attend The Theatre where i was treated to Les Miserables, it was marvellous but Les Mis was also one of the bands many songs that they performed so well. It was very sad to wish them all a safe trip back to U.S.A and tears welled up inside me as they do now hearing about the sad loss of Glenn. I am sure Glenn is looking down on his family. Thank You for letting me be apart of the Memory of Glenn and The Chattanooga Singers.
How you can show support
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
j sanchez
December 17, 2019
Dr. Glenn Draper was the highlight of every Lake Junaluska trip we took growing up. We were there as far back as I can remember for summer and fall (and especially Christmas) concerts. I lost my mother this past year, but she got me hooked on the singers, and I continue to go back. We still have so many of the CD's and listen to them as far back as cassettes of the LJA singers.
There was one concert that always come to mind, where a young singer was singing "I Bowed on My Knees and Cried, 'Holy,'" at he just started crying right up there on stage. He finished the song and Dr. Draper said, "the power of God can grab you anywhere! Praise the Lord!"
Dr. Draper was a huge influence on my life and so many more (singers, audience members, and anyone who was fortunate to hear his leadership and love of the singers and Christ). Thank you so much for all the wonderful memories and we'll see you at "home" in the future!
Sincerely,
J. Sanchez
Hickory, NC
Sally Beach
June 25, 2019
I cared about Dr Draper so much... arranged his choir travel to England , Australia , Europe.... went to Washington with them at Christmas when he took his choir to the White House and sang for President George H R Bush... to Lake Junaluska when his choir performed. He was loved by every young person he directed in a choir, an exacting leader who got the best from all he directed and expected no less than the best they could give . I am saddened by the news but I know he will be directing Gods angels in Heavenly music.
Showing 1 - 3 of 3 results
Make a Donation
in Glenn Draper's name
How to support Glenn's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Glenn Draper's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
