After battling a lengthy illness, Donald Wayne Draper of Henderson died at the age of 77 on Thursday, October 19, 2023, at Granville Health System in Oxford.
He was born in Durham County on June 7, 1946, son to the late Lonnie Moore Draper and Cassie McDonald Draper.
Donald grew up in Durham with his family. He later moved to Raleigh to attend and graduate from NC State University. During college he worked at "The Frog and Nightgown" restaurant and jazz club, working closely with the chef there. After graduation he remained in the food industry in Raleigh for many years, advancing to hotel banquet hall management, and eventually to partner and co-owner of a restaurant. Donald loved cooking for family and friends throughout his life!  However, he eventually did switch careers and established a business, dwd Software Development Corporation, in Raleigh, which offered consulting services to both non-profits and political committees in database management and election reporting compliance to both statewide and federal boards. He worked in this business with his wife until their retirement to Kerr Lake in Henderson.
Survivors include his wife of thirty-two years, Charlotte Allen Draper; one sister Janie Dampier and husband Dean of Abilene, Texas; sister-in-law Kim Dunn of Roxboro NC; five nieces, Dianne Lucht (John), Lisa White Cade), Lynne Bruton (Kirk), Kelly Snickles (Chris), and Crystal Dunn;  two nephews, Hal Dampier (Jerina), Jamey Vaughan (Melissa); and many special great-nieces and great-nephews.
Donald was a loving husband, son, brother, uncle, and a wonderful "Dad" to all the family "fur" babies.
A memorial celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Arrangements are by Sossaman Funeral Home of Oxford. Online condolences may be made at www.sossamonfuneralhome.com