George Whitley “Johnny” Draper, 83, of Weldon, NC passed away on Wednesday, June 5, 2024.

Johnny was the son of the late George Whitley Draper, Sr. and Louise Millikin Draper. 

He was also preceded in death by his wife, Shirley Draper, his sister, Sally Ray Draper Warren and his niece, Lillian Clark Hill. 

Johnny loved radio; he owned and operated WCBT, WSMY and WLGQ radio stations for several years. 

He was a life-time member of the Weldon Fire Department and was the Mayor of Weldon for 40 years. 

He was a lover of beach music and hosted the Friday Night Beach Blast on area stations since the late 1980’s. He was inducted into the Carolina “DJ” Beach Music Hall of Fame in 2022.

He is survived by his daughter, Lori Draper of Weldon, his sister, Peggy Draper Coker and her husband, Jimmy of Roanoke Rapids and his nephew, Whit Coker of Roanoke Rapids.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 8, 2024 at 11:00 AM in the chapel of Askew Funeral and Cremation Services in Roanoke Rapids with Rev. Randy Martin officiating.

The family will receive friends after the service.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Weldon Fire Department at 109 Washington Ave., Weldon, NC 27890.