Thomas (Tom) Richard Draper 58, of Middleburg, Florida, passed away November 22, 2024 surrounded by his family. Born in Medina, New York, Tom was the son of Robert L. Draper and Harriet K. Draper. He graduated from Medina High School class of ’84 where he enjoyed playing baseball and was a member of the swim/dive team He attended Monroe Community College and was drafted by the Cleveland Indians in the 10th round of the 1986 MLB Draft. Tom continued his education and played baseball for University of Maryland, graduating in 1988 with a degree in Civil Engineering.
After graduation, Tom spent a short period of time in Pennsylvania and North Carolina before moving to Jacksonville, FL. He worked briefly for Whiting Turner Construction Co. and Haskell. In March 2001, Tom found his home at The Stellar Group. He was a key contributor to the growth of the Commercial group as a Project Developer, a leader, and a mentor at Stellar for more than 23 years. He laid the foundation for Stellar’s federal group presence in Hawaii and was passionate about his work and desire for success .In recognition of growing the presence of Stellar in Hawaii, Tom initiated the popular “Hawaiian Shirt Thursday” tradition, which became a beloved staple of the Stellar Group’s culture.
Tom’s greatest joys in life were coaching his kids in baseball, exploring new destinations, traveling, and spending precious time with the love of his life, his beloved wife, Annie - affectionately known as his “Sunset Annie.” Tom was passionate about traditions and never wavering on his devotion to keep those traditions going, the annual trip to the College World Series with his sons, his family’s pumpkin carvings everyone looked forward to seeing and the Jax Draper’s annual Christmas newsletter that brought joy and cheer to countless friends and families will be deeply missed. He had a gift of sharing the Bible and its teachings and shared with others the relevance and meaning in their own lives, leaving a lasting impact on those who knew him.
Tom is survived by his wife, Annie Belinda Ganey; sons Spencer Draper (Maddi) and first grandchild soon to arrive, Christian Draper and Step-son’s Britt Tyson, Jonathan Tyson and 5 step-grandchildren, Step-son Douglas Underwood from a previous marriage to Patty Honeycutt, and 3 grandchildren; sisters Sue Draper, Medina, NY, Debbie Nichols, Amherst, NY, brothers Rob Draper (Vanessa), Cranford, NJ, Tim Draper, Rotonda West, FL, and multiple nieces and nephews.
The family would like to extend their gratitude to the entire staff at Mayo Hospital for their care. Special thanks to the Interventional Radiology Department, whose kindness will never be forgotten. Haven Hospice of Orange Park for their compassionate and excellent care.
Services will be held at Elevate Life Church 1845 Town Center Blvd. Unit 300, Fleming Island, FL 32003 on Thursday, December 5th, 2024 at 11:00 AM. with a fellowship to follow in the Fleming Island Town Hall Center 2300 Market Drive, Fleming Island, FL 32003.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Elevate Life Building Fund or Community Hospice for additional room lighting.
Arrangements by HARDAGE-GIDDENS RIVERMEAD FUNERAL HOME, 127 Blanding Blvd, Orange Park, FL. Please post words of comfort at www.hardage-giddensrivermead.com.
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