Obituary

Roland Cornelius Draughon Jr.
April 23, 1937 - March 7, 2021

Roland Cornelius Draughon Jr.

Roland Cornelius Draughon Jr.
Apr 23, 1937 - Mar 7, 2021

Roland Cornelius Draughon Jr.
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Roland "Rol/Rolly" Cornelius Draughon Jr, born on April 23, 1937 in Tacoma, WA,
was an all American father and grandfather. He died on Sunday, March 7th, 2021 but lived every day to the fullest for 83 beautiful years.

Rolly is remembered in love and sorrow by his wife of 63 years, Theo and his children, Robert (Cynthia "Cindy"), Laura (Mehrdad "Mitch") Roland (Toni) and William (deceased). He will be fondly remembered as "Bumpa" by his four grandchildren, Elizabeth, Alexzandrea (Nicholas), Sarah, Christina (Austin) and by his three great-grandchildren, Atticus, Radley Elizabeth and soon to be born Poema.

Rolly will also be forever remembered by his brother Arthur, brother-in-law Arland, his sister in-laws Susan and Patsy, numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, and cousins. Grandpa Draughon will always be cherished by Mitch and Laura's children, Leila, Farren, Michael, Farren's daughters, Azzie and Ellie, and Leila's daughters, Ava and Mia.

His mother, Elizabeth Draughon (deceased), raised him with a kind and gentle spirit. His loving wife, Theo Draughon, birthed their incredible children. His only daughter, Laura Draughon, taught him the sweeter side of fatherhood. His sons, Robert and Roland Draughon III,
gave him the gift of four precious granddaughters, two great-grandchildren and one on the way.

Roland's world lit up as he watched his daughter and granddaughters grow into the women they are today. He often spoke of them as his pride and joy. He took great honor in having an active role in their upbringing. Frequently took them up in his Grumman Tiger plane where Elizabeth,
the first granddaughter, would be his co-pilot and Alexzandrea, Christina, Sarah would take the best naps of their life! Every Wednesday he took his grandchildren swimming and for a scoop of spumoni ice cream. Grandma and grandpa opened their home for summer stays and made sure all their dreams could come true all year long. Grandpa taught them to fish at their cabin on Mt. Rainer, to drive in his red Saab convertible, to always find deals on auto repairs, to love nature, and to be thankful for all life had to offer. He took great pride in stocking the freezer
with orange popsicles that they could enjoy together on his old recliner and watching them perform in sports or fine arts as they grew into teenagers. This mister was magic to those girls. There was nothing he wouldn't do as a grandfather.

Grandpa loved a glass of red wine, glazed apple pies, the infamous family "S" cookies with milk, salted peanuts, cheeto puffs, Mariners baseball, UW collegiate sports and the Seattle Seahawks football team.

Rolly was a veteran of the U.S. Army and had a long career as an executive at Marine Iron Works. He loved to share all of his food with his dog Max and his grand-dog Baker. He was constantly losing his glasses which were always on his head. He loved listening to the same classical songs and musical theater on YouTube over and over again, which always ended in him reminiscing about the good ole days.

Rol could be spotted from a mile away as he took fashion cues from no one. His signature look was a plain collared pocket T-shirt designed by infamous Fruit of the Loom and Hanes luxury line, tan elastic waist shorts worn with a braided fabric belt, white high socks to protect his delicate ankles, classic old school sneakers and a fashion forward tan golfers hat or UW baseball cap.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to your favorite charity.

Finally, the family asks that in honor of Roland you listen to the song "I'll be seeing you" by Billie Holiday and remember how beautiful and impactful the life you live is.

 
 

Trina on Mar 25, 2021

Bumpa was an amazing grandfather to my 3 girls. He loved unconditionally and was very humble. He will be greatly missed however the memories of his lifetime will never fade yet be a great reflection of his zest for life. To my girls my heart breaks for yours. I pray you will find peace in the midst of sadness and joy in the midst of memories. To Theo you are a true inspiration to your family. I pray you will find comfort in the difficult times and a warm heart throughout the ages of memories the two of you shared. To Rob, Rolly and Laura cherish the memories you had with your father stay steadfast in caring and loving your momma. Blessings Trina

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