Otha Lee Draper

Otha Lee "Pete" Draper peacefully departed this life on March 5, 2026. Born on November 11, 1946, in Huntsville, Alabama, he was the youngest of five children born to Emma Toney Draper and Otha Draper.

Pete joined Center Grove United Methodist Church as a young child and accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. His faith remained a source of comfort and strength throughout his life. He graduated from Councill Training High School in Normal, Alabama, in 1964, attended Alabama A&M University briefly, and then served in the United States Army. While stationed in Germany, he received an honorable discharge so he could return home to support his family after his father suffered a stroke.

Pete began his professional career at IBM in 1970 as a Field Customer Engineer in Huntsville. Over the next four decades, his dedication and leadership took him to Atlanta, Kansas City, White Plains, Franklin Lakes, and Dallas. He held key roles including Field Manager, Equal Opportunity Manager, Large Systems Branch Office Manager, and leader of IBM’s Large Systems Support Center, overseeing operations across multiple locations. He retired from IBM in 2008 after a distinguished career.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Pete’s greatest passion was golf. A scratch golfer for many years, he was widely respected within IBM for his skill and generosity in helping others improve their game. He played regularly with groups in Dallas, New Jersey, and Atlanta.

Pete was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Roxianna Lockhart Draper, and his sister Mattie Battle. He is survived by his children, Gervase (Joanil) and Marcus; his siblings Elsie Nance, Hazel Pope (Jake), and Mary Peoples; special friend Ollie Nance; aunts and uncle Donnie Griffin, Mary Booker, and Wilbert (Mattie) Draper; grandchildren Terrance Jalen Escontrias, Gervase Philemon, Donovan Alexander, Devin Xavier, and Marcus Alan II; four great-grandchildren; daughters-in-law Joanil Claudio-Draper and Mayelyn Ferreras-Draper; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and dear friends, including his Atlanta golf group. He will be remembered for his infectious smile, quiet strength, love of family, and the warmth he brought to everyone around him.