Harvey Drayton was born on February 20, 1929, in New Brunswick, New Jersey. He was the only son of the late Gertrude Topson and Harvey Drayton. Harvey passed away surrounded by family on October 10, 2022, in Glenn Dale, Maryland. He was the devoted loving husband to Mavis Drayton, who preceded him in death in 2005. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Harvey was a man of strong faith and taught us the importance of family, hard work, and doing what is right. We thank God for his 93 years of life.
Harvey graduated from New Brunswick High School in New Brunswick, NJ in 1945. Following his graduation, Harvey enlisted in the U.S. Army as a Field Lineman. For his service, he earned a World War II Victory Ribbon & Medal. He served honorably and was discharged on September 8, 1947. Harvey later went on to achieve his Massage and Iridology Certificate. He was an avid Body Builder and a Master Artist. Harvey retired in 1991 after 25 years as a Quality Control Specialist at Bristol Myers Squibb. While at BMS, he held bible studies and counseled his colleagues on diet and health. Healthy eating and clean lifestyle were always front and center for Harvey. After retirement, he continued his passion for painting, missionary work, and bible studies. He also worked at St. Matthias Catholic School in Somerset, NJ for 10 years.
On February 20, 1958, Harvey married Mavis (Faulkner) Drayton, and, on the same day, they were baptized together into the Seventh-day Adventist message. Harvey and Mavis were married for 47 years before Mavis’ rest on March 16, 2005.
Harvey had an infectious passion for Christ he would share wherever he traveled. He often visited and talked with church members, visiting sick members in their homes, nursing homes and hospital rooms. He was always intentional about his compassion for others. He touched many lives and was loved by all who met him.
Harvey was a member of Metropolitan Seventh-day Adventist Church in Plainfield, NJ but often attended New Brunswick English Seventh-day Adventist Church in New Brunswick, NJ.
Harvey leaves to cherish his memory and legacy, (3) Daughters Anthonette Brand of Dover, Delaware; Sybil Drayton of Bowie, Maryland; and Wendy Drayton (Micheal) Blount of Glenn Dale, MD; (3) Sons Harvey Wayne (Elizabeth) Drayton of Somerset, NJ; Keefe Dennis (Marisol) Drayton of Somerset, New Jersey; and Richard Courtney Drayton of Knightdale, North Carolina; (1) Brother, Gary (Cynthia) Drayton; 12 grandchildren—Andrew Drayton, Anjelique Drayton, Tomas (Ysabel) Drayton, Sydney (Evan) Morsell, Alexander Drayton, Harvey Drayton Jr., Kristen Drayton, Anthony Drayton, Micheal Blount, Nicholas Drayton, Morgan Blount, and Erin Blount; (4) great-grandchildren—Liam Ramsey, Aria Drayton, Alexander Drayton, and Amias Drayton; many nieces, nephews, cousins; and a host of other relatives and friends. Harvey also leaves to cherish his longest living friend, Warren Crawford of Somerset, NJ.
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