Otha "Pete" Lee Draper

Otha Lee “Pete” Draper peacefully departed this life on March 5, 2026. Pete’s life began on November 11, 1946, as the youngest of five children, born to Mrs. Emma Toney Draper and Mr. Otha Draper. Pete joined Center Grove United Methodist Church as a young child, where he accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. His faith was an important part of his life and remained a source of comfort and strength throughout the years. Pete was preceded in death by his parents Emma Toney Draper and Otha Draper, beloved wife, Roxianna Lockhart Draper, and his sister Mattie Battle. Pete attended Councill Training High School, in Normal, Alabama graduating in 1964. He attended Alabama A&M University for a short time, later deciding that the college life was not a fit for him, so he joined the United States Army. While on a tour in Germany, the Vietnam War was escalating and Mama decided she wanted him home after our dad had a light stroke. Being the only son, he was given an Honorable Discharge due to this situation and he came home. He worked at Xerox Corporation for a short time and was subsequently presented with an opportunity to apply for a job at International Business Machines (IBM) located in Huntsville’s Research Park. Pete had a successful career with IBM that spanned nearly forty years, marked by dedication, growth, and meaningful leadership roles throughout the company. Pete’s IBM journey began in 1970 as a Field Customer Engineer in his hometown of Huntsville, Alabama. His career soon took him to Atlanta, Georgia, where he served as a Field Manager. He later relocated to Kansas City, Missouri, where he worked as an Equal Opportunity Manager. His strong commitment and leadership abilities led to staff support roles in White Plains, New York, and Franklin Lakes, New Jersey. Pete eventually returned to Kansas City as the Large Systems Branch Office Manager. Pete and Roxy later relocated to Dallas, Texas. IBM soon called him back to Atlanta to lead IBM’s Large Systems Support Center. His extensive knowledge and experience were instrumental in overseeing IBM support operations across several remote locations, including Dallas, Raleigh, Tucson, and Atlanta. Pete retired from IBM in 2008 after a distinguished and impactful career. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Pete’s greatest passion outside of his family was golf. For many years he was a scratch golfer and was known as one of the finest golfers within IBM. He played regularly with golf groups in Dallas, New Jersey, and Atlanta. Pete was admired not only for his skill but also for his generous spirit and willingness to help others improve their game. Pete Draper’s Memory - will be cherished by his two children, Gervase (Joanil) and Marcus. He leaves to cherish his memory his loving siblings: Elsie Nance, Hazel Pope (Jake), and Mary Peoples and special friend Ollie Nance. Pete was blessed with a loving extended family and is survived by his aunts and an uncle: Donnie Griffin, Mary Booker and Wilbert (Mattie) Draper. He also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and dear friends who will forever cherish the memories they shared with him. His legacy continues through his grandchildren: Terrance Jalen Escontrias/TJ, Gervase Philemon/Gerger II, Donovan Alexander, Devin Xavier and Marcus Alan II, and hie four great grandchildren: Gerardo Daniel Escontrias/Lalo, Jalen Xavier, Damian Jesus, and Christopher James Escontrias/CJ. In addition, once a family member, always a family member. He was the proud father-in-law to two daughters-in-law: Joanil Claudio-Draper (Gervase) and Mayelyn Ferreras-Draper (mother of Marcus Alan Draper II). His Atlanta golf group—Al Johnson, Leonard Butler, Tom Webster, Ricky Whitley, Harrison Cook, Sean Pyle, and Mark Jackson—deeply feel his absence. Pete would gladly help anyone who wanted to improve their golf game. His golf buddies often joked that they should be able to deduct their losses to Pete as a tax write-off. Pete’s IBM and golf families will always remember his kindness, patience, and genuine love for both his work and the people around him. He will be deeply missed both on and off the course. Pete will be remembered for his infectious smile, quiet strength, his love of family, and the warmth he brought to those around him. His life touched many, and his presence will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. As believers, we find comfort in the promise of God’s Word. John 14:1–3 reminds us, “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me… I go to prepare a place for you.” Though our hearts mourn his passing, we rejoice in knowing that Pete now rests in eternal peace in the presence of the Lord. We love you Pete - Dad, Granddad, Great-Granddad, son, and Uncle Pete. ✝️🙏

Otha "Pete" Lee Draper

November 3, 1946 - March 5, 2026