Thomas Jefferson Drayton

DRAYTON ~ Elder Thomas Jefferson Drayton was born in Sylvania, Georgia, son of the late Mr. James Drayton, Sr. and the late Mrs. Eula Lee Nixson Drayton; departed his life Monday, February 11, 2019.

 Elder Drayton attended Burke High School in Charleston, South Carolina, where he studied several trades and earned his diploma.  In 1963, Elder Drayton joined the United States Army and served his country with honor.  After his military service, he became a Greyhound Bus Driver, traveling all over the United States for forty-two years, until his retirement in 2003.  Elder Drayton had a love and passion for family, friends and church.  He was also an extraordinary musician, tailor and cook.

 Elder Drayton was a member of Trinity African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina at a young age, under the leadership of Rev. A. J. Coan.  As an adult, he was baptized and became a member of Rehoboth Temple, also in Charleston, South Carolina, under the leadership of Bishop David Joyner.  He later became a member of Joy Temple in New Haven, Connecticut under the leadership of Bishop D. C. Shields.  After residing in Jacksonville, Florida, he became a member of Rock Deliverance Church for all People under the leadership of Bishop Calhoun J. Williams, Overseer, and Pastor Dwayne Henderson, Sr.  He also attended The Holy Church of The Living God, under the leadership of Bishop Spencer Stafford.

 Elder Drayton was preceded in death by his parents, James Drayton, Sr. & Eula Lee Nixson Drayton; brothers, James Jr., David Sr., Herman & Bernard Drayton; sister, Jimmie Lee Drayton.  He leaves to cherish his memory, two sisters, Pettronella D. Moore (Willey) of Bronx, New York & Berida Morris of Charleston, South Carolina; uncle, Elder Thomas Earl Drayton (Emma) of Georgetown, South Carolina; aunt, Vivian D. Walston of Norfolk, Virginia; sister-in-law, Barbara Drayton of Columbus, Georgia; godchildren (he raised as his own children), Vicent Shields, Shante’ Ringer and Gene Richardson; special niece, Pamela Drayton; a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, friends and godchildren.

 Celebration of Life Service for Elder Thomas Jefferson Drayton will be 1:00 PM Saturday, February 23, 2019 at Rock Deliverance Church for All People, 3636 Old Kings Rd, Senior Pastor Dwayne Henderson, Sr.  Family will receive friends Friday from 5 -7 PM at the church.  Interment at Jacksonville National Cemetery.  Because of the love of his family, arrangements entrusted to J. E. Fralin & Sons Funeral & Cremation Services, 5065 Soutel Dr., 904.924.9400.

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