John Robert Draper, born in Suffolk, Virginia December 19, 1941, passed away peacefully May 20, 2016 with his wife of 55 years, Mary Thomesine Ellis Draper, by his side.

He was the son of the late Clyde Wallace Draper and Doris Everett Draper.

“Bobby” was a 1960 graduate of Suffolk High School and a 1964 graduate of East Carolina University. He worked for the Virginia Highway Department as an appraiser from 1964-1970 and worked for the Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority from 1970 until his retirement in 2004 as Director of Renewal Services. He held an MAI designation, was a member of the Appraisal Institute, and was a past president.

He enjoyed many years in various organizations such as the Suffolk Jaycees and Elks Lodge, the Suffolk Golf Association, and Duck Woods Country Club in Southern Shores, N.C.

Bobby was a loving husband, dedicated father, and exceptional grandfather who loved nothing more than watching his grandsons’ sporting events, reminding him of his own sports days of football, basketball, baseball, track and tennis. He later became an avid golfer and enjoyed many years on the links with friends and family in Suffolk, the Carolinas and Florida.

Bobby will be remembered for his love of the New York Yankees, his years of memorable times at the Outer Banks, his quick wit and sense of humor, and generous and sincere nature.

In addition to his wife, his survivors include three brothers, Clyde Merritt Draper of Suffolk, James Wallace Draper of Alexandria, Jerry Yates Draper of Mechanicsburg, Pa.; a sister, Brenda Draper Winstead of Suffolk; a daughter, Mary Yvonne Faulkner, and her husband, Mack; and three grandchildren, Draper, Jake and Rett of Richmond.

He will be missed greatly by his family and his many friends throughout the years.

The family would like to thank Drs. William Jackson, John Malcolm and Cynthia Sile and staffs for their care and support, as well as Joyce Bailor with Sentara Home Care and Jo Looney.

The funeral will be held at First Baptist Church at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, with Dr. Thurman Hayes Jr. officiating. The burial will be private.

The family will receive friends from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Monday at R.W. Baker & Co. Funeral home and Crematory, 509 W. Washington St.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to First Baptist Church, 237 North Main St. , Suffolk, Virginia 23434. Condolences may be registered at RWBakerFH.com.