Robert Christopher Draper

Robert departed his earthly life on September 11, 2024 in the comfort of his home.

Robert Christopher Draper was born on January 23, 1964 in Flint, Michigan to the Late William S. Draper and the Late Efleana Draper Smith. He was the baby of the Draper kids. He was baptized at an early age and regularly attended church with his parents. 

Chris moved to Muscle Shoals, AL with his mother in 1974. He graduated from Muscle Shoals High School in the class of 1982. He planned on becoming a teacher but decided to enlist in the United States Marine Corp. He served his country for 9 years and 10 months. Joining the Marine Corp allowed Chris to cultivate his love for travelling, which he still loved to do. He met some lifelong friends that he cherished and still talked about. During his enlistment he earned an expert Service Rifle Badge, Good Conduct Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, and 4 Letters of Appreciation.

After leaving the Marine Corp, Chris returned home to Muscle Shoals in 1989. He later began working at Melvin’s on the Spot Carwash in 1990. It was there that he met his wife, Tina. Chris and Tina were united in matrimony on April 26,1991. He instantly became a father to Ashley and Jasimine. Later that year, they welcomed their first son William Jeremy. In 1996, They welcomed Anthony and Marcus.

In 1991, Chris obtained his CDLs and started driving trucks for Maverick and Averitt Express. After more than 10 years of driving trucks, Chris decided to find work closer to home and began a career at American Wholesale Book Company until his health started to decline.

He eventually became a grandpa, and his mission was to be the Best Grandpa Ever and he succeeded. He made sure to be present for school events, holidays, and birthdays. He loved his children and grandchildren dearly. They were his pride and joy.

Robert is preceded in death by his mother: Efleana Draper Smith, Father: William S. Draper, Stepfather: Edward O. Smith, Brother: Ray H. Draper, Sister: Alicia Powell, Grandparents: Joseph and Gertrude McCay, 2 aunts: Jimmie L Hazley-Gray and Martha Turner, Uncle: Willie Turner, Mother in Law: Rosa Southern, Father in Law: Jerry Littleton Sr, Brother in Laws: James Littleton and Jerry Littleton Jr, and Sister in Law: Tonya Littleton.

He leaves to cherish his memory and carry on his legacy:

A wife: Tina Draper; 2 daughters: Ashley(Curshonn) Jiggetts(Florence, AL); Jasimine(Willie) Mitchell(Tuscumbia, AL); 3 Sons: William Jeremy(Jazlin) Draper(New Market, AL); Anthony (Laveda) Draper (Huntsville, AL), Marcus Draper (Tuscumbia, AL); 2 Brothers: James(Butch) Draper (Flint, MI); Reginald Draper(Palm Bay, FL); God sister: Minister Patricia(Cookie) Martin (Florence, AL); 2 Sister in Laws: Minister Pamela Littleton and Sabrina Littleton both of Florence, AL; 1 Brother in Law: Terry Shelby(Sheffield, AL); 17 grandchildren, 1 great-grandchild, and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

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