Mr. Charles Edward Draper, Sr. was born in Huntsville, Alabama on December 7, 1949, to the late Oscar Draper and Amy Lewis Draper. Charles was one of four siblings.
Charles, a beloved member of the Huntsville community, passed away on Tuesday, November 21, 2023, during the early sunrise. His sister Janice along with one of his sons Charles Jr. prayed that he would make it to celebrate his 74th birthday, but God said this was the time set for him to leave this earth when he was born. God felt he had suffered enough pain and Charles was ready to sleep away to be with family members who had gone before him.
Charles was known for his unwavering passion for life and a diverse range of interests that enriched the lives of those around him. He found solace and joy in the great outdoors, especially when he would go to visit his Aunt Isabella in Madison. He loved going to her house because he was able to be outside with nature, doing the things he loved the most, which were: fishing, picking blackberries, apples, and peaches from the orchards, swimming, and getting into trouble with his cousins James and Fredrick Toney. He would often reminisce about some of the things the three of them would get in trouble for and a big smile would roll across his face and he would mimic his cousins fussing about who was the blame. Charles wasn’t always the nicest person there were times his quick temper would flare up and you knew a fight was about to happen. He was very protective of his siblings, family members, and cousins. You knew you were a friend when people would say “I’m not messing with you because Charles Draper is your friend”.
Charles’s love for nature was reflected in his keen fascination with Biology, a subject that fueled his curiosity throughout his life.
A trailblazer in his own right, Charles was a gifted student and proudly held the distinction of being the first of three students to integrate football, track, and wrestling at S.R. Butler High School in Huntsville, Alabama. Charles broke many records while matriculating through high school. He had no fear of anything when it came to sports. His commitment to excellence continued at Alabama A&M University, where he majored in Math, showcasing both academic prowess and athletic skills.
Charles was not only a scholar but a dedicated athlete, earning both academic and football scholarships. His passion for the medical field led him to Huntsville Hospital, where he served as a surgical assistant. His contribution to healthcare touched the lives of many.
Beyond his academic and professional pursuits, Charles was a man of many talents. Cooking was one of his many talents and he loved to stay in his mom’s kitchen when she would allow him to help or cook. He demonstrated his creativity through skillful writing of depositions and crafting intricate leatherwork and sculptures. His artistic endeavors were a testament to his ability to find beauty and expression in various forms.
Mr. Draper confessed hope in Christ at a later age in life while living in Hillsboro Alabama. He joined Canaan Missionary Baptist Church and attended Sunday School and Church Services regularly until he became ill. There were many times he would recruit other young men to join him at Sunday School or Church Service. He would tell them “You don’t have to drive we can walk around the corner and save your gas”.
Charles departed his life on Tuesday, November 21, 2023. He was preceded in death by his parents, Oscar and Amy Lewis Draper two of his siblings: William and Carl, and his aunties and uncles: Annie Watkins, Truelove Henderson, Ellen Hayes, Finnell Draper, Hubert Draper, Novella Draper, and Ora Draper.
Charles leaves to cherish his memory: sibling, Dr. Janice Toney (Dr. Anthony Toney); children, Charles Draper, Jr., Marion Andrea Brown, and Sheryll Brown; aunt, Ms. Isabella Toney; grandson, Trent Draper; grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews; Aaliyah Toney, Tommy Lyons, Carol Holloway (Johnny), Johnny Holloway III, Cailyn Holloway, Jacob Holloway, Delecia Draper Cowart, Cristine Cowart, Romello Lyons, William Lyons (Ellie), Chris People, Melissa Wann and a host of cousins and friends.
Funeral service will be 12:30 p.m., Saturday, December 9, 2023, at the Royal Chapel of Memories (4315 Oakwood Avenue NW, Huntsville, AL 35810) with Pastor Dave Draper officiating.
