Obituary of John Drakeford

CAYCE: A memorial service for John E. Drakeford, 75, will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, May 14, 2012, at Platt Springs United Methodist Church, officiated by Rev. Rebecca J. Shirley. The family will receive friends from 4 until 6 p.m. Sunday evening at Thompson Funeral Home of Lexington. Mr. Drakeford passed away Friday, May 11, 2012. Born in Lee County, SC, he was the son of the late William Henry Drakeford and Ruth Cox Drakeford. Mr. Drakeford grew up in Boykin, SC, in the loving care of Dick and Fannie Holland with his "sisters" Brenda Young and Judy O'Rear. He was a U.S. Air Force Veteran and a member of the Lexington VFW. Mr. Drakeford was a member of the Springdale Masonic Lodge and a charter member of both the Jamil Shrine Center and the Jamil Director's Staff. Mr. Drakeford was retired from Norfolk Southern Railway and was a member of Platt Springs United Methodist Church. He loved his grandchildren, playing golf with his Indian River Buddies and was an avid fan of Gamecock sports. Survivors are: his loving wife, Gwen Thompson Drakeford of Cayce; children, John R. Drakeford (Vicki) and William T. Drakeford (Adela); grandchildren: Kyle, Braxton, Aleena and Yan Drakeford; sister, Frances Boyce of Beaufort. Mr. Drakeford was preceded in death by a brother, William Drakeford. Memorials may be made to Platt Springs United Methodist Church, 3215 Platt Springs Rd., West Columbia, SC 29170 or Shriners Hospital for Children, 950 W. Faris, Greenville, SC 29605.