Frank Neal Draper

It is with hearts full of joy, sadness, and peace that we announce that Frank Neal Draper has left this Earth to be with Jesus in Heaven on May 7, 2026. Frank, who was born on August 1, 1959, has joined his parents Jack and Jean Draper. Frank was the spiritual leader of a family that treasured him, inspired us as a role model, and loved us deeply as only a person filled with God’s love can love.

His family will miss him greatly, while our treasured memories will never fade. We know beyond a shadow of a doubt that it is only the blink of an eye before we will reunite with him in Heaven. Lynn Draper (wife, his Baby), Jared and Jessica Weaver (son and daughter, a Gift from God), Jayden Weaver (grandson and Cooking Buddy), Jackson Weaver (grandson and Bible Buddy), Jacey Weaver (granddaughter who was Wrapped Around his Finger).

Frank had a happy childhood growing up with his siblings and cousins. These relationships grew into lifelong friendships. Abe (brother) and Cheri Draper, Steve and Brenda (sister) Clabo, Bob and Gail (cousin) Winter, Jimmy and Vicki (cousin) Duncan, Lynn and Trudy (cousin) Strange. Additionally, Frank’s life was enriched through time spent with his many nephews and nieces. Kevin and Sara (niece) Henderson and children, Adam (nephew) and Sarah Draper and sons, Jake (nephew) and Danielle Draper and son, Martin Clabo (nephew), Joe and Stephanie (niece) Clay.

Frank was instantly welcomed into Lynn’s family and formed deep, lasting bonds with everyone. Mike (brother-in-law) and Janice Ford, Joshua Ford (nephew), Seth and Bethany (niece) Maples and children.

Frank was an active member of Chilhowee Hills Baptist Church for over 12 years. During his time at Chilhowee Hills he was honored to serve in the high school youth ministry; the kids ministry including Reframed; the young adult ministry; and worshipping Jesus in the bass section of the choir. Frank’s work at church was a calling and work of the heart. To him, the church was both an expression of his love for Jesus and a place of faithful, joyful service. Frank worked for over 24 years with Knox County Schools. He began as a CTE teacher at Gibbs High before transitioning into a CTE supervisor role. Most recently, Frank was working as an IT Asset Specialist in the IT department. As with any area of his life, he drew pleasure from the relationships he made, and the satisfaction of a job well done.

Frank has filled many people’s hearts with treasured memories and a deep love. He will be remembered for many reasons. Frank would emphatically tell you that his most significant accomplishment was asking the Lord Jesus Christ to be the savior of his life. Frank’s journey with Jesus as his Savior began when he was seven years old and will continue for all of eternity. Anyone who knew Frank knows that he is one who embraced happiness. Frank is experiencing the greatest of joys of his life walking with Jesus in Heaven.

Please join us as we worship Jesus and remember Frank. A service will be held at Chilhowee Hills Baptist Church on Monday, May 11, 2026 at 6 PM. Following the service, there will be a Celebration of Life Party at the Cruze Center of Chilhowee Hills Baptist Church. This celebration is in lieu of a time to receive friends. It was important to Frank that this time be joyful and full of laughter. We will be enjoying some of Frank’s favorite foods along with other activities personally picked by him. Please feel free to join Frank in wearing a tee shirt that proclaims his love of Jesus Christ.

In lieu of flowers, Frank requests that donations be made to Chilhowee Hills Baptist Church, 4615 Asheville Hwy, Knoxville, TN 37914 or Compassion International, 12290 Voyager Parkway, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80921. https://compssion.com Note your donation is in memory of Frank Draper.

In closing, Frank and his family wish to convey special thanks to the following: His many, many, many friends at Chilhowee Hills that enriched his life, made the final days of his journey easier, and will continue to care for his family in his absence. The outpouring of love and the treasured words during these visits power and loving kindness of Great God. The choir visit, when Frank was able to join in, was a touch of Heaven on this earth. The visits from his Sunday School kids meant the world to him. Lynn will treasure these memories for the great words of wisdom that God outpoured during these visits. Many people championed around Frank and Lynn during his last days. They knew people would be there to support and lift them up as Frank readied himself to see Jesus. No one could imagine the unending foresight and compassionate awareness that was bestowed on them.

His friends at Knox County Schools that made his time at work far more than just a job. Frank received so many calls and texts from these people who enriched his life, and we read/listened to every one of them; and would make a poignant reflection after each. Special thanks to his department head and the HR Department who helped him immensely at the end. Every single individual who engaged with him during his time at UT Hospital. From gurney pushers to surgeons, each was kind, compassionate, and empathetic. All went the extra mile to share a laugh with him. All the staff and care providers at Smoky Mountain Hospice. Their care was a true reflection of God’s love. It was evident that their services were provided through the love of Jesus. They brought comfort and peace at life’s end to Frank’s family as well as to him.

“But honor the Messiah as Lord in your hearts. Always be ready to give a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you.”

– 1Peter 3:15, Frank’s Favorite Verse