Paul L Drakeford

PAUL L. DRAKEFORD, 79, the seventh child of the late Ernest Sr. and Ellen Brown Drakeford, was born May 18, 1947, in Kershaw County, South Carolina.

Paul was educated in the public schools of Kershaw County, South Carolina, and graduated from Jackson High School. He went to trade school for mechanics in
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania after high school and later earned an associate’s degree at the University of South Carolina after his time in the military.

Paul proudly served his country, entering military service in the late 1960s during the Vietnam era and went on to give more than thirty years of combined service, retiring from the National Guard as a Staff Sergeant. As a skilled mechanic throughout his military service, Paul carried that expertise into a long career with the South Carolina Forestry Commission, where he was known and respected for keeping trucks and equipment running across the region he served.

Paul’s love for cars ran through nearly every chapter of his life — from drag racing in his younger years to a lifetime as a hands-on mechanic others could always call on. He found equal joy being on the open road and simply loved to drive, especially to visit his siblings who lived “up North.” Every week, he made the drive to Columbia to bring back fresh fruits and vegetables, which he shared freely, giving away more than he ever sold. He was a devoted presence at the Drakeford Community Center, where he served as president and gave generously of his time and resources because he believed deeply in what it offered his family and the community. He cherished hunting and target shooting with military friends and family because of the fellowship not what he brought home. That same spirit carried into his gatherings with his Battle Buddies every other month, where the point was always simply being together.

Above all, family was the center of Paul’s life; however, he would help anyone. He was known for showing up when it mattered most, whatever the cost to his own time or plans, for
the people he loved or someone in need. Everyone knew he would fuss, ask a million questions then tilt his head with that look over his glasses; but in the end, he would come through for them. He was especially proud of his daughter, LaWanda, and her many personal and professional accomplishments, including studying abroad for her senior year of high school,
and he was proud of his grandson, Bradley, and treasured the time they shared.

The last two years of Paul’s life brought significant health challenges, following a major stroke in 2024. True to his determined nature, he worked hard through rehabilitation and
returned home where he was helped along by a home health aide from Casania’s Caring Hands whose patience and genuine care became a steady comfort to him and to the family. He was eager to resume the life he loved to include sneaking in yard work using his lawn mower because sitting still had never suited him. A second stroke in 2025 demanded a longer
recovery, and he entered Karesh Long Term Care and Rehab, where progress came slower but never stopped. He quickly became known and loved there by staff and residents. He spent
a great deal of time on the porch no matter the weather conditions and talked with everyone. Even in this season, Paul remained exactly who he had always been.

Paul is remembered by those who loved him as strong-willed, protective, endlessly generous, and, in the words of everyone who knew him, “crazy” — the good kind of crazy that meant he loved hard, laughed often, and never minced his words.

Paul was preceded in death by his loving wife, Deloris “Lois” Neal Drakeford, beloved daughter, LaWanda Drakeford Bridges, and cherished sisters, Mary Lee Drakeford, Rozina
Jones and Martha DuBissette.

Paul is survived by his daughters, Pauline Burns-Drakeford and Shewanda Lathan (Mark); grandsons, Bradley Drakeford Bridges, Michael Stewart, Jr., Mark Lathan, II and Miles Lathan;
sisters, Willie Mae Willis, Lucille Drakeford, Deborah Drakeford, Janie Drakeford; brothers, Ernest Drakeford (Alfred Mae), English Drakeford, John Drakeford (Mattie); sister-in-law,
Jacqueline Brown; brothers-in-law, Charles Neal (Margaret), Kenneth Neal (Janie); and a host of special nieces, nephews, relatives and friends who will miss him dearly.

The family welcomes flowers; or if you prefer, donations may be made in Paul’s honor to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.