J. T. Morriss & Son Funeral Homes

Draper, Leslie Randall

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Leslie Randall Draper, 76, of Hopewell died Tuesday, October 14, 2008 in John Randolph Medical Center. Mr. Draper was born in Martinsville, VA and had been a long time resident of Hopewell. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict and the Vietnam War. He retired at Fort Lee as a M/Sgt with 23 years of service. Following his tenure in the military, he was employed with Firestone Corporation and Virginia Power Company. Mr. Draper was the son of the late Frank L. Draper, Sr. and Gladys Parcell Draper. He is survived by his wife, Norma Draper of Hopewell, three sons, Leslie D. Draper and his wife Debbie, Charles F. Draper and his wife Robin, all of Neptune City, NJ, Mark Lee and his wife Brandy of Smithfield, NC, four daughters, Rosemarie Giorella and her husband Joseph of Winder, GA, Bonnie Sue Stafford and her husband Michael of Bradley Beach, NJ, Susan Martin of Hopewell, VA. and her husband Michael of Winston Salem, NC, Sharon Ledford and her special friend Ernie Brown of Walnut Cove, NC, fifteen grandchildren and three great grandchildren, two brothers, David G. “Sonny” Draper and his wife Nancy, Frank L. Draper, Jr. and his wife Jeannie, two sisters, Shirley Agee, Lemma Sue Cobbler and her husband Boonie, all of Martinsville, VA and many nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held Thursday, October 16, 2008 at 4:00 PM in the Hopewell Chapel of J.T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home & Cremation Service, with Rev. Dr. David Hayes of Family Worship and Praise Center officiating. Following the service, the family will receive friends until 6:00 PM. Interment will be private. Flowers are acceptable or memorial contributions may be made to Super Kids Ministries, P.O. Box 212, Prince George, VA., 23875. Condolences may be registered with www.jtmorriss.com

Dear Norma,
I haven't seen or spoke to you in awhile and I came across your saddened news in the paper. I never met your husband, but you are such a sweet person, he had to of been a great person. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Betty Hatton

Posted by: Betty Hatton at November 4, 2008 05:55 PM

NO TEARS PAST THE GATE

Someone new has entered
our eternal home above.
The heavenly gate has opened wide
to welcome the one you love.
We cannot help the tears that fall-
our hearts need time to grieve
when earthly life has ended
and a loved one has to leave.
Yet even in the saddest time,
we know our Savior lives,
and we can trust completely
in the promise that he gives.
That in a glad reunion with the Lord,
our loved ones wait
to welcome us in joy
with no more tears
beyond the gate!

Posted by: Sharon at October 17, 2008 04:45 PM

Mrs. Draper and Family,
I am sorry for the loss and not being able to make it to the funeral home.I do want to let all of you know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.I will have many memories of him.

Posted by: anthony brieling at October 17, 2008 11:23 AM

Kelly and Dylan,

So sorry for the loss of your grandpa. It's always hard to give a loved one up, but God will give each of you the strength you need at this sad time in your life. The Bible tells us that "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints." We hope and trust all was well with his soul and that he is enjoying those who went on before him. We love you two and are sorry we don't get to see each other on a regular basis. Our love, Karold (Chuck) & Cleo

Posted by: Karold & Cleo Stallard at October 17, 2008 07:56 AM

Kelly, sweetie, I am so sorry for your loss. Please let Dylan know that we are thinking of you both and keeping you and your family in our prayers. I hope your Pa is sharing war stories with my daddy. I can't believe it's been ten months without him. Miss you & love you, sweetie!!
Cousin Becky

Posted by: Becky Branham Dimon at October 17, 2008 12:24 AM

In the midst of your sorrow may you find comfort in God's promise of everlasting life. It is with sincere thoughts and prayers that we extend our deepest sympathy to your family during your loss. May you continue to find strength in the prayers that are being sent on your behalf. Jannis, Jessika & Martha

Posted by: Jannis Chambliss at October 16, 2008 04:23 PM

To: Mrs.Draper,Justin, Susan, Sharon, Kelly and family
I wanted to write to say how sorry for your loss. If there is anything I can do please let me know. Sorry I won't be able to make it tonight due to being sick. Please take care of each other and my prayers are with you all.

Posted by: Jeannette (Brieling) Fleshman at October 16, 2008 09:14 AM

Life will never be the same without you pa i love you! I wish Ryder had been a lil older so he could have known you better, but i'll show him the pictures of you and him every day so he can see how much you loved him. He says pa when you show him your picture. and i'll never forget how you would smile when he would cheers with you. Tell Grandaddy Gene, Dad, Grandma Ruby and Papaw I love them too. Watch over us!

Posted by: Kelly at October 15, 2008 12:26 AM