LITTLETON – Walter Gene Lewis Draper, aged 77 years, of Littleton, NC, died June 13, 2015, at Halifax Regional Medical Center.

Mr. Draper was born in Halifax County, NC, son of Lokie Earl Draper and Helen Grant Draper. He graduated from Roanoke Rapids High School, earned his associate’s degree from Chowan College, bachelor’s degree from East Carolina University, and M.B.A. from Pfeiffer University.

Mr. Draper was a systems analyst and computer programmer for most of his life, and also spent many years teaching computer classes at Central Piedmont Community College and Chowan University. He was a lifelong learner, earning his real estate license, general contractor’s license, and home inspector’s license, and even taking classes in guitar late in life.

He raised his family in Charlotte, NC, and is survived by his three loving children, Dana Draper Norvell of Chapel Hill, NC, Heather Leigh Draper of Charlotte, NC, and Walter Grant Draper of Charlotte, NC. He is also survived by his two beloved grandchildren, Theodore Conrad Norvell of Raleigh, NC, and Matthew Seay Norvell, of Chapel Hill, NC. Additional survivors include his sister, Ola Draper Batten; sister-in-law, Dorothy Draper Hoeh, and many close nieces and nephews: Jay Batten, Lisa Batten, Gary Batten, Leann Batten Hughes, Helen Draper Brown and her husband John Brown, Kathy Draper Burnell, and Robert “Rusty” Draper and his spouse Maureen Draper.

Mr. Draper was a devoted father, grandfather, brother, son, and uncle. He loved to read, especially biographies about our Founding Fathers, history, mysteries by authors such as Patricia Cornwell, and fiction by favorite authors such as Pat Conroy. He also loved nature, hunting, fishing, and viewing the night sky. His skills on the grill were unsurpassed. He was a genuine and humble man with a quiet personality, huge intellect, and quick laugh. He taught his family the meaning of loyalty and will be missed every day.

Memorial services will be held in the chapel of Wrenn Clarke & Hagan Funeral and Cremation Service, located at 1015 West 5th Street in Roanoke Rapids, NC, on Thursday, June 18, at 4:00 p.m., with the Reverend Cory Oliver officiating. Visitors will be received after the service. Donations may be made in lieu of flowers to the charity of your choice.

Online condolences can be sent to wrennclarkehagan.com.