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BOYKINS – Lucian Felton “Sonny” Draper Jr., went home to be with his Lord on Aug. 4, 2022 while being cared for by the staff of East Pavilion Senior Living Center since June 2022. A devoted husband, brother, grandfather, and friend, Sonny was born in Boykins on Dec. 15, 1930, the son of late L.F. Draper and late Ethel Shaffer Draper. In addition to his parents and his stepmother, Katherine Francis Draper, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 64 years, Patricia Person Draper; brother, Joe Draper and wife, Lucy; and brother-in-law, Joe Person. His 91 years of life were dedicated to serving His Lord, his country, his fellow man and his family.

A 1948 graduate of Boykins High School, he attended Virginia Tech as a ROTC cadet. Upon graduating in 1952 with a bachelors degree in agronomy, Sonny, accompanied by his new bride, Pat, began his two-year tour of duty with the Army. After serving his country in Texas and Pennsylvania, Sonny and Pat returned to Boykins to manage the family farm and business, Draper Building Supply Inc. Working many years in construction business, Sonny was known for his meticulous skills. He used those skills as he volunteered to construct handicap ramps in the community and to assist with construction projects on 24 mission trips. As hard-working as Sonny was, he was a proud Virginia Tech alum who enjoyed Virginia Tech football. His favorite pastime was attending Virginia Tech games with his wife, brother, sister-in-law and friends, George and Mary Jim Davis.

A life long, dedicated member of the Boykins United Methodist Church, Sonny served his Lord as an adult Sunday School teacher for 66 years, a lay speaker, a choir member and chairman of multiple church committees. As a faithful witness for the Lord, Sonny served as a Gideon with the Southampton camp, participated in the church’s food distribution and the prison ministry. Serving his community, Sonny was actively involved for more than 60 years with the Lyons Club and the Masonic Lodge. Generous with his time, talents and treasures, Sonny, who served his fellow man with great kindness, contributed to charities and causes whenever there was a need.

Sonny is survived by his three children, Lu Haywood and her husband, Bill, of Newport News, Steve Draper and his wife, Lisa of Boykins and Sandy Black and her husband, Jon of Aberdeen, North Carolina. He is also survived by his five grandsons who witnessed his service to family as a devoted caregiver to “Grammy” for 14 years prior to her death in 2016. Proud grandsons are the Rev. Nathan Black and wife, Dixie, Trent Black, Chase Black, Will Black and Bryan Draper.

The funeral will be conducted at 11 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 13 in Boykins United Methodist Church with Pastor Keith Jordan officiating. Masonic rites will be accorded in the church. The burial will follow at Beechwood Cemetery. A reception will follow the service in the church fellowship hall. The family will receive friends Friday, Aug. 12 from 6 – 8 p.m. at the residence at 18365 Virginia Avenue in Boykins.

His family would like to express sincere appreciation for his caregiver, Madeline, for her kind and compassionate care and the Boykins Volunteer Fire and Rescue Squad for their assistance in his care.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Boykins United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 246, Boykins, Virginia 23827 or Gideon International, P.O. Box 140800, Nashville, TN 37214.

www.wrightfuneralhome.org