Deacon Roy David “Homie” Draughon Sr.

Roy David Draughon, Sr., born August 28, 1949, was the 14th of 15 children born to Reverend Eddie and Avetta Draughon in Dunn, NC. He moved to Columbus, Ohio in 1963 and matriculated through Franklin Junior High School and graduated from East High School in 1967. At East High School he played football and also was so fast on the track team, that his nickname was Rabbit. He was an avid Buckeye Fan and attended Ohio State home football games with his long-time best friend Larry McCollum from 1978 until 2012. Roy loved riding motorcycles and his daughter Ronda said that he was the original “Parkour” stating that he used to run, flip over cars and tables, and always rode his bike sitting backwards. He loved people and was well-respected in the community. In fact, he was a Jefferson Award Nominee for his service to the Columbus community.

Roy accepted the Lord Jesus Christ at an early age, and was a life-long member of the United Holy Church of America. He was saved and united with Evening Star United Holy Church in Dunn, NC and joined Gospel Tabernacle Church in Columbus, Ohio after moving here. He was a devout Christian who served the Lord and the church in the spirit of Psalm 100 with gladness, with a joyful noise, and with singing. He could sing all types of music but enjoyed the “Charlie Pride” twang of country music. For years, he sang bass in the adult choirs of the church; however, when we discovered his melodious and spirit-filled lead singing voice, he became a much sought-after soloist both at his home church, throughout the community and on a national level. “Your Grace and Mercy” was one of his signature leads. This song also epitomized his life which was not always smooth sailing but God’s grace and mercy continually brought him through. He was ordained to the office of deacon and served faithfully, caring for the membership and supporting the vision of the church and his pastor. He modeled his Christian values in a down-to-earth, non-judgmental manner and was an inspiration to family and friends to seek the Lord for themselves. He was a real family man and loved “all of his babies”—his daughters, grands, great-grands and his namesake—Roy, Jr. All of his children have come to know and serve the Lord that he loved because of his godly example.

His primary profession was as a truck driver for various companies including Kelley’s Trucking, Walker’s Trucking, DTI (Value City) and most recently Chase Bank. Over the years, Roy (A.K.A. Hommie) took advantage of his many hours traveling up and down the roads by listening to great Bible teachers, Christian music and enhancing his theological knowledge. He could discuss the deep truths of God with the best of them. It really was no secret that he felt the call to preach from his youth. He also encouraged his children to know and love the Lord and to study the word for themselves. He loved Sunday School and Bible Study and was a great encourager to any gospel preacher.

His strong faith in God allowed him to overcome many adversities throughout his life. Unbeknownst to us, Roy began preparing us for his departure (though we really did not understand) in the weeks and days preceding his death. On Monday, August 30, 2021, he was summoned by God’s sovereign will to enter the valley and the shadow of death and on Friday, September 3, 2021, he transitioned from the shadow into God’s glory. He is now in the presence of his Lord whom he adored and is singing with full assurance, “It is Well with my Soul.”

Roy was preceded in death by his parents, Rev. Eddie and Avetta Draughon; sisters, Ruthella Womack, Christella Woody, Rosie Greene, Barbara Nell Draughon, Odell Draughon; brothers, Eddie “Buck” Draughon, James “JD” Draughon, Velton Draughon, Willie Draughon and Charlie Henry Draughon; and sons, Anthony Dwayne Draughon, and Vashon Wesley Draughon.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Vanessa Draughon; daughters, Ronda Draughon, Karen (Myron) Howard, Reshonna Draughon, Rebecca (Adam) Dawkins, Stephanie Draughon; beloved son, Roy (Anita) Draughon, Jr., step-children Letha Harris, Latasha Harris, Steve Harris and Robert Harris; sister, Marjorie (Walter) Roberts, brothers, Russell (Dalene) Draughon, Joseph (Ernestine) Draughon, Jonathan Draughon; 15 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren; special son, Keith Williams and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and other family and friends.

Viewing 6-8pm Friday September 10, 2021 at Gospel Tabernacle United Holy Church, 1205 Hildreth Ave and Visitation 10:00 AM and Funeral Service 11:00 AM Saturday, September 11, 2021 at Gospel Tabernacle United Holy Church. Mask and Social Distancing are required. Interment at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens. Ministry of Comfort entrusted to MARLAN J. GARY FUNERAL HOME, THE CHAPEL OF PEACE NORTH, 2500 Cleveland Ave.