Raymond E Drafts

1934 - 2023

Raymond E. "Skate" Drafts was born in Pittsburgh, PA. He attended Schenely High School where he met Dora. Upon graduating, "Skate" enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1954 and he and Dora married on January 5, 1957.
"Skate" served his country in support of operations in France and Thailand, and was assigned to Field Maintenance Squadron repairing parachutes at Plattsburgh A.F.B., NY; Pease A.F.B., NH; Whiteman A.F.B., MO; Goose Bay A.F.B., Labrador, Canada; and Little Rock A.F.B., AR. He retired from Cannon A.F.B. in October 1974.
"Skate" lived a very active lifestyle. In his younger days he would demonstrate his finesse of roller skating at Diamond Roller Rink in Pittsburgh. He parlayed his parachute repair skills into upholstery work and established Ray's Upholstery. After retiring from the Air Force, he lived his dream of being a professional truck driver and drove for Zero Refrigeration and Greer & Greer Trucking in Clovis. When he stopped driving, he became the safety director for Greer & Greer Trucking.
"Skate" was an avid bowler. While stationed at Goose Bay A.F.B., he and Dora used to bowl together on the bowling league. His way of resolving disputes at work was to close the shop and settle it at the bowling alley. He would simply say "get your ball." He loved the game, comradery, playful trash talking, and seeing his friends every week at Cannon Bowling Center, which he considered his second home.
"Skate" was very active at Cannon Base Chapel where he served the Lord as an usher for many years until November 2022. His love of God and deep faith is anchored in his favorite scripture:
Our days may come to seventy years, or eighty, if our strength endures; yet the best of them are but trouble and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away. Psalms 90:10
NIV
"Skate" is survived by his loving wife Dora of 66 years; three daughters Dorene McNeal, Darcell McCoy, and Raenell Drafts; Son-in-Law George McCoy; granddaughter LaNee' McNeal; and many nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, March 26, 2023, from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm, at The Chapel. Funeral Service will be held on Monday, March 27, 2023, at 2:00 pm at The Chapel, 1500 Thornton Street. Military Honors rendered by Cannon Air Force Base Honor Guard.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The Family expresses our sincere gratitude for the love and kindness you have shown "Skate" over the years, and the expressions of sympathy extended to us during this most difficult time.
Final arrangements entrusted to: Muffley Funeral Home 1430 Thornton St., Clovis, NM 88101