I was Tom’s driver when he would fly from California to Florida.  I drove him numerous times between the Pensacola & Fort Walton Beach airports to Carillon in Panama City Beach.  I never knew a kinder, sweeter or more generous man than Tom.  My wife and I loved him very much.   I just learned of his death today, 19 May 2021.  Once, at the Fort Walton airport in the baggage claim area a small elderly white lady asked Tom to get her suitcase off the baggage belt and carry it to her taxi and he did so in such a gracious, loving and humble manner.   A finer gentleman the world will never know..  We love you and miss you and we’re very blessed in your presence Tom!!!

Tom Draper, whose tenures at RCA and Warner Bros. Records helped lay the foundation for today’s black music industry, Tom will be re membered  as “a gentleman, a diplomatic warrior, a shrewd marketing executive and a kind soul. The music industry owes him a debt of gratitude.” Kool Breeze/Jazz Talk/West Palm Beach, FL.


Tom was a wise, kind and gentle man. He was a pleasure to be around and will be missed. May God embrace Tom's family and friends during this difficult time.

Friends Are Cordially Invited To A Visitation With The Family

Memorial Services Will Be Conducted

H.M. Patterson & Son - Arlington Chapel

Thomas Draper

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Thomas R. Draper

21 July, 1940 – 25 October, 2019

H.M. Patterson & Son-Arlington Chapel

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