Draper George Ricketts affectionately known as ‘Daddy Pep’ was born in Wilmington, Delaware, on January 2, 1928 to the late George Williams and Sarah (Ricketts) Cannon. Draper was raised by his step – father, Wilmer Cannon. Draper departed this life on November 19, 2017 after a lengthy illness.
Draper attended Seaford, Delaware Public Schools where he earned his diploma from Frederick Douglas High School. He was employed by Duponts in Seaford, Delaware until 1968. Draper relocated to Boston, Massachusetts in 1968 where his mother and siblings lived.
Draper was employed with American Airlines in Boston, Massachusetts and LaGuardia Airport in New York until he retired in 1995. After retiring, Draper moved to Virginia Beach, Virginia; where he resided until he departed this life.
Draper loved his family dearly and was very protective of them. He loved ‘bragging’ about his family and extremely proud of them all. Draper had a giving heart and would do anything for anyone. He traveled back and forth from Massachusetts to Delaware and then to Maryland where he would turn around and come home for many years; with his mother as his ‘Co – Pilot’ who ensured he stayed awake. Draper was very close to his mother and he took very good care of her.
Towards the end of his earthly journey doctors would ask, ‘How are you doing, Mr. Ricketts?’, he consistently answered, ‘I’m Blessed!’ He never complained about his illness.
Draper loved baseball; his favorite team was the Baltimore Orioles. Because of his love of the sport, Draper played on the American Airlines Employee’s Team for many years. Another passion Draper loved was cars. He was extremely fascinated by cars and a ‘Ford’ model was his favorite.
Draper was predeceased by his parents and step – father as well as his siblings, Pauline Ricketts, Doris Cannon, Harold Cannon, Sr., William Cannon and Julia Smoot.
Draper leaves to cherish his memories, two devoted children, Sherita Ricketts Noel of Delran, New Jersey and Jonathan Ricketts of Virginia Beach, Virginia; one step – son, James Tokley (Joanna) of Tampa, Florida; one adopted daughter, Nicole Bass of New York; his devoted companion of many years whom he loved, Lesvia Bass; six siblings, Mary Frances Cannon of Brockton, Massachusetts, Marilyn Brown (Rodney) of Mattapan, Massachusetts, John Cannon (Brenda) of Virginia Beach, Virginia, Mable Cannon of Dorchester, Massachusetts, Joyce Kilgoe (William) of Roxbury, Massachusetts and Carolyn McKinney of Virginia Beach, Virginia as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
“We Will Always Love You”
‘The Family’
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