Ryan Martin Draper

March 08, 1983 - December 05, 2022

Obituary For Ryan Martin Draper

Ryan Martin Draper, age 39, of Chapel Hill, NC died peacefully at his home on December 5, 2022. He was born on March 8, 1983 in Durham, NC.

Ryan lived his life fully and bravely despite having Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

He graduated from Carolina Friends School in 2002 and attended Elon University and UNC-Chapel Hill focusing on Environmental Studies and History.

He was a lifelong learner, an environmentalist and naturalist who contributed to many related causes. For many years he enjoyed volunteering and educating children at the Museum of Life and Science in Durham in the Insectarium. He also volunteered at the Chapel Hill Library.

He will be remembered for his wisdom, love of nature, and kindness. He left a lasting impression on anyone he met and will be dearly missed by his family and friends. We will always carry him in our hearts.

He is survived by his parents, George and Elizabeth Draper of Chapel Hill, his sisters Kendal Draper of Raleigh and Whitney (Jake) Edwards and nephews Will and Jack Edwards of Raleigh.

He has many dear aunts, uncles and cousins who have always been a source of love, support and entertainment. He was preceded in death by his grandparents J.E. and Lucy Martin of Anson County NC, and Eleanor Rau of Milford, Delaware and George H. Draper, III of Kissimmee, Florida.

We are grateful to all his caregivers, doctors and therapists who helped him live his life to the fullest.

A small Graveside Service will be held at the Historic Oakwood Cemetery on December 10, 2022 at noon with a memorial service in March of 2023.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: The Museum of Life and Science or The Kadampa Center

Services

10 Dec

Graveside Service

12:00 PM

Historic Oakwood Cemetery 701 Oakwood Avenue Raleigh, NC 27601 Get Directions »

by Obituary Assistant

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Tributes

BEN AND ALLISON MARTIN planted 5 trees in memory of Ryan Martin Draper . - March 08, 2023

Condolences

March 08, 2023

Jeffrey Stajich and Christine Firpo

I was always impressed that he was a volunteer and willing to share his passions. He is an example to other individuals who have disabilities. Jeffrey Stajich
March 08, 2023

Rita Schiavone

Ryan made a book on native plants from handmade paper in my art class in Upper School. He was gentle and kind and a great student. I'm sorry for your loss!
December 16, 2022

Kara Lardinois

I had the pleasure of meeting Ryan years ago, as we have a common friend who taught us both much about physical therapy. I always enjoyed seeing Ryan and his kindness and wisdom were evident in the short conversations we had. My sincere condolences to your family, Kara Lardinois
December 10, 2022

Patsy A. Wix

Thinking of you and your family during this difficult time. Sending prayers and love to you. Patsy Allen Wix
December 10, 2022

Fran Griffin

Thinking of you all during this difficult time. Love to you , Fran Edwards Griffin
December 09, 2022

Margaret Morris

I was honored to know Ryan. He was courageous and optimistic and a pleasure to work with. He meant a lot to me. My love and sympathy to his family. Margaret Morris
December 09, 2022

Caroline violandi

My condolences to the family. I went to CFS with him in middle school. He was a very kind and funny person. Thinking of you all and sending prayers.
December 08, 2022

Ronda and John Scheil

Our sympathy and love to Draper and Martin Family. Ryan was loved by many and will be missed.
December 07, 2022

Fincher and Lynetta Martin

Heaven gained a beautiful soul. Ryan was an amazing person, that we admired and loved. He is going to be greatly missed!
December 07, 2022

KEN MARTIN

TOUGHEST PERSON I HAVE EVER KNOWN. ALWAYS A POSITIVE ATTITUDE. WILL MISS MY BUDDY - RYAN!