Thomas Jerrell Drawdy Sr.

Thomas “Pops” Jerrell Drawdy, Sr., age 79, of Lake Butler, Florida, passed away on March 9, 2026, at Lake Butler Hospital. Born on September 30, 1946, in Brooker, Florida, to the late Thomas L. Drawdy and Rosa Lee Futch Drawdy, Tom was one of thirteen children. After losing his mother at an early age, he went to work to help support his family, learning the value of hard work and responsibility that would shape his entire life.

A true cowboy at heart, Tom worked on a ranch where he broke horses, cared for livestock, and maintained equipment. He loved the outdoors and took pride in an honest day’s labor. In the early 1960s, he met the love of his life, Shirley Faye Griffis. They married on September 6, 1966, and shared 59 devoted years together. Together they raised five children and built a lifetime of cherished memories. Tom was a dedicated provider and loving husband and father who took great joy in caring for his family.

After his years as a rancher, Tom worked for 18 years at Owen Joist Steel Mill and then spent 10 years at Stilwell Dairy Farm in Graham, Florida, before retiring in 2008. Even in retirement, he remained active, tinkering with lawn mowers and repairing anything that needed fixing, skills he proudly passed on to his children. He enjoyed fishing and camping, but nothing brought him more happiness than time spent with his family. He especially loved making his wife Shirley happy, faithfully accompanying her to garden centers and garage sales simply to see her smile.

Tom was preceded in death by his beloved wife Shirley Faye Drawdy, daughter Shelia Drawdy, son James “Jimmy” Ray Drawdy, and siblings Bob (Slim), Doc, Nita, Juanita, James (Jimmy), Jesse, Pauline, and Tommie Lou (Mickie). He is survived by his sons Thomas Jerrell Drawdy, Jr. and Steven Quay (Jessica) Drawdy of Worthington Springs, Florida, and Justin Dean Drawdy of Lake Butler, Florida; seven grandchildren, Kayla Drawdy, Quay A. Drawdy, Gavin Thomas (Jessica) Drawdy, Avery D. Drawdy, Ally Drawdy, Olivia Drawdy, and Abigail Drawdy; great-granddaughter Lyla Kimble; great-grandson Griffin Drawdy; brother Harry Drawdy; and many extended family members and friends.