John Drayer

John R. Drayer, 90, passed away peacefully on March 30, 2024, with his family by his side in Davidson, North Carolina.

Born in Decatur, GA, he was adored by his parents Raymond and Elizabeth, and doted on by numerous aunts and uncles. He met his future wife, Evelyn in 1955 in Clearwater, FL, just before shipping out for Navy service aboard the U.S.S. Lexington. He and Evelyn cultivated their lifelong romance through more than 500 letters written between then and 1957 when they married in Clearwater.

For their 50th wedding anniversary, their son, Dan produced an audio portrait of their love.

http://dandrayer.org/portfolio/john-evelyn-50th-anniversary/

John earned his BA at Belmont College in Nashville, TN. He later entered Southern Theological Seminary in Louisville, KY, where he completed a master’s and Ph.D. He ministered and taught countless individuals in churches and higher education institutions in Florida, Indiana, Tennessee, Kentucky, and North Carolina. He was a professor of religion and ethics and served as a vice president for academic affairs at Gardner-Webb College and Bethel College. He completed his academic career at Greensboro College. In retirement, he was a tax preparer at H&R Block.

 In 2002, he and Evelyn built their dream home on Lake Norman in Mooresville, NC. In 2013, they moved to The Pines at Davidson and loved the intellectual and social connections woven into the community. The family deeply appreciates all staff at The Pines and VIA Health Partners. John always thanked his wife, family, and caregivers for their boundless compassion. 

John was a gentle, brilliant, and loving soul. He had a wonderful sense of humor and heart. To those who referred to his time on the “boat,” John would affectionately laugh and with a twinkle in his eye say, “The Lex is a ship.”

He loved literature and puns. He taught Dan the rules of grammar while they harvested vegetables from the family garden. His grilled chicken was legendary. No black bean soup, breakfast foods, or chicken salad were safe from him. He particularly enjoyed Southern fiction. Cats and dogs were drawn to him, recognizing his innate tenderness. 

John is survived by Evelyn Drayer; Dan Drayer (Sarah Porges); sister Martha Cantu (Lou); sister-law Lunette Arledge; brother-in-law Jim Smith (Gwen); and eight nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his daughter, Debbie Drayer Collins (David). 

A celebration of John’s life and reception will be held in the Davidson Room at The Pines at Davidson on Sunday, April 21, 2024, at 3:00PM to which all are welcome.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in John’s memory to The Pines Employee Appreciation Fund, 400 Avinger Lane, Davidson, NC 28036.