Terry Steven Draper

Terry Draper was a man that was larger than life. When he entered a room, his personality would fill the room. Constantly joking, and making all of us laugh, he will forever be remembered for his “Dad Jokes” and one-liners. We will forever be able to quote him in any situation, and smile from the memories he gave us. He was born second of 5 sons. Terry watched over his brothers and talked of the many adventures they had as children. After moving to Tyler in the 8th grade, he started making lifelong friendships, that he treasured dearly.

Terry was a member of Tyler Tabernacle for 42 years. He enjoyed the many years of service in the music and sound ministry along with playing the bass for the choir. He also was the first to volunteer to complete any project, large or small, that needed doing around the church. He loved the church, and the people of the church. Terry served his country proudly in the US Army and was a proud veteran. Most especially he was proud of his re-enlistment after 9-11 at 38 years old. He had many stories to tell of his time in the service, and especially about guarding a chemical weapons depot in Oregon after the attacks. He served during Operation Enduring Freedom. He was a respected soldier, and had numerous awards over his many years of service. Our nickname for him was always “The Army Man”. He protected us all at all times, every day.

An accomplished musician, he could play numerous instruments. Mostly known for playing Bass guitar, Banjo, and Steel Guitar. Over his lifetime, he was in numerous bands, both country and gospel. Some of his favorite moments were playing music, anytime or anywhere. He taught himself to play Steel Guitar after re-enlisting in the Army, while he was stationed far from home. He enjoyed all the impromptu jam sessions and the numerous friends that were like family that came from this hobby.

He was the owner of Sound and Video Solutions for over 30 years. He designed and installed sound and video systems all over East Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Arkansas, and New Mexico. As we drove anywhere, he would point to a church, stadium or business and tell the story of the installation. He could remember minute details of installs over 20 years ago. With his faithful crew, Eric, Jason, and Scotty, they built an amazing business over the years. He enjoyed every detail of his profession. He truly loved working with people to improve their sound and video capabilities, along with building a friendship with his customers.

Terry loved his family more than anything. Every birthday, Thanksgiving, Christmas or just get together was made more special because of his thought and planning. We will forever remember the wonderful meals that he prepared for every family gathering. He was always available to talk to, and was earnestly concerned about all of the kids well being. Currently, his favorite “people” were his grandkids. The weekend sleepovers were always a highlight. Grampy would play his steel guitar and the grands would dance and sing. He would always say he loved to see them smile. He was so looking forward to the two new grands this winter.

If your path ever crossed his, he would always make sure you left him feeling better. Always full of encouragement and wisdom to young men especially, he mentored many in this community. His legacy reaches far. If we can take anything from his life, we should strive to continue what he started. Make the people you come in contact with better. A kind word can move mountains he would say.

Terry is survived by his loving family, wife Sherry Draper; daughter Marissa Draper and fiance’ Seth Semlear, daughter Cherish Davis and husband Lee Davis, son Brandon Draper and wife Harley Draper.; he was also Step-D to 4 step children, Travis and wife Bethany Walston, Alex Walston, Amanda and husband Michael Feagins, and Spencer and wife Hope Walston. Grampy to 7 grandchildren, Layla Davis, Bryce Davis, Everly Davis, Araceli Draper, Selena Draper (coming in December), Alaina Walston, and baby boy Walston (Also coming in December); parents, David and Barbara Draper; brothers, Darryl Draper, Richard and wife Melody Draper, and Sammy and wife Dena Draper; and numerous Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, Nieces and Nephews.

Terry is preceded in death by paternal grandparents Claude and Susie Draper, maternal grandparents J.D. and Lillie Browning; brother, Jon David Draper; and wife, Sheila Draper.

A time of visitation for Terry will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 25, 2021 at the Tyler Tabernacle, following a celebration of life at 2:00 p.m., 3115 East 5th Street, Tyler, Texas 75701. The military graveside service will occur Saturday, September 25, 2021 at 3:30 p.m. at the Tyler Memorial Park Cemetery, 12053 State Highway 64 West, Tyler, Texas 75704.

Contributions in Terry's memory may be made to Tupelo Children’s Mansion, 1801 East Main Street, Tupelo, Mississippi 38804, https://mansionkids.org/; and CASA for Kids of East Texas, 3616 Westway Street, Tyler, Texas 75703 US, https://casaforkidsofet.org/.