Barry L. Draper Obituary (1948 - 2023)

Born Oct 30, 1948, Barry L. Draper attended William Byrd High School in Vinton, VA. View the obituary, post a memory, or share a photo about Barry L. Draper.

Graduation Year	Class of 1968
Date of Birth	Oct 30, 1948
Date of Passing	Nov 19, 2023
About	A lifelong resident of the Mt. Pleasant section of Roanoke County, Barry returned home unexpectedly to be with the Lord on November 19th, 2023. The son of the late Lelia Robertson Draper and Frennie Draper, Barry was married to his wife Nancy Cooper Draper for 55 years. A third-generation railroad employee, he retired from service as a N&W brakeman on the “punkin’ vine” between Roanoke and Winston-Salem. The sights and characters he encountered while seated high within a caboose brought him some of the best memories of his life. He proudly worked to support his family as a SCAB during the strike of 1978, a decision which resulted in multiple attempts on his life from supervisors and fellow employees – and resulted in his injury-related retirement in 1985. At the age of 14, serving his community in what was then the Mount Pleasant First Aid Crew, Barry became the youngest volunteer member in the history of the Roanoke County Life Saving Crew. Before commencing a career on the N&W, he served as an undercover narcotics officer with the Vinton Police Department where he received multiple meritorious service commendations. He was an avid hunter and fisherman until physically unable to continue, and had several winter hunting adventures with friends in Montana. He enjoyed the peace and quiet spent along Craig Creek in Eagle Rock, Virginia over the past 45 years. The Rotary Club of Chesapeake recognized him as an honorary Paul Harris Fellow in 2022. He grew up in Melrose Baptist Church, and was a member of Mayflower Hills Baptist Church for many years. He is survived by his wife Nancy Draper of Roanoke, and his son, Anthony, an attorney in Chesapeake, Virginia. He is also survived by one brother, Randy. His older brother, Larry, also of Mt. Pleasant, passed away last year. He loved strayed and rescued animals, so please consider making a donation to your local animal rescue or the SPCA in lieu of flowers. He is once again feeling “as fine as frog’s hair.” A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, January 27, 2024 at Oakey's Vinton Chapel with Billy Altice officiating. His family will receive friends one hour prior to the Service. Arrangements are by Oakey's Vinton Chapel (540.982.2221). Online condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.oakey.com.