Thomas Jerrell "Tom" Drawdy Sr.

Thomas "Pops" Jerrell Drawdy, Sr., age 79, of Lake Butler, Florida, passed away on Monday, March 9, 2026, at Lake Butler Hospital. He was born in Brooker, Florida on September 30, 1946, to the late Thomas L. Drawdy and Rosa Lee Futch Drawdy. Tom was one of thirteen children raised in Brooker. After the passing of his mother at an early age, Tom went to work to help support his family where he learned the value of hard work and responsibility. A true cowboy at heart, Tom served on a ranch where he handled the daily duties of ranch life, including breaking horses, caring for the livestock, maintaining and repairing equipment, and so much more. He loved the outdoors and believed strongly in the rewards of an honest day's work. In the early 1960s, Tom met the love of his life, Shirley Faye Griffis. The two were married on September 6, 1966, beginning a lifelong partnership built on love, loyalty, and devotion. Together they were blessed with five children, seven grandchildren, one great-granddaughter, one great-grandson, and a lifetime of cherished memories. Tom was a dedicated provider and took great pride in caring for his family, faithfully fulfilling his role as husband and father. After his years serving as a rancher, Tom began a career at Owen Joist Steel Mill, where he worked as a steel worker for 18 years. He later continued his career at Stilwell Dairy Farm in Graham, Florida, where he served for 10 years before retiring in 2008 at the age of 62. Retirement never slowed Tom down. Known for tinkering around the yard with lawn mowers and using his mechanical skills to repair just about anything that needed fixing. These practical skills and strong work ethic were qualities he proudly passed on to his children. In his free time, Tom enjoyed fishing and camping, but nothing meant more to him than spending time with his precious family. He especially loved making his wife, Shirley, happy. Shirley enjoyed gardening and garage sales, and Tom faithfully tagged along, simply because he loved seeing her smile. Shirley was his woman, and he would do anything to take care of her. After her passing in October 2025, Tom was heartbroken and missed her beyond words. Tom is now reunited with his beloved wife of 59 years, Shirley Faye Drawdy; daughter, Shelia Drawdy; son, James "Jimmy" Ray Drawdy; and siblings, Bob (Slim), Doc, Nita, Juanita, James (Jimmy), Jesse, Pauline, Tommie Lou (Mickie) .

Tom is survived by sons, Thomas Jerrell Drawdy, Jr. and Steven Quay (Jessica) Drawdy both of Worthington Springs, FL, and Justin Dean Drawdy of Lake Butler, FL; seven grandchildren, Kayla Drawdy, Quay A. Drawdy, Gavin Thomas (Jessica) Drawdy, Avery D. Drawdy, Ally Drawdy, Olivia Drawdy, and Abigail Drawdy; great granddaughter, Lyla Kimble; great grandson, Griffin Drawdy; brother Harry Drawdy along with several extended family and friends.

A Celebration of Tom's Life will be held on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at 1:00 pm at Ferreira Funeral Services Lake Butler Chapel with Pastor Matt Rouse officiating. Arrangements are under the care and direction of V. Todd Ferreira Funeral Services Lake Butler Chapel, 435 Main Street, Lake Butler, FL 32054. 386-496-1400. Visit www.ferreirafuneralservices.com to sign the family's guest book.