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