Otis Drayton,

Otis Paul Drayton, Jr. was born May 8, 1939 to Otis (Sr.) and Sally Drayton in Glen Cove, New York. He moved to Cleveland with his family at an early age. Both parents preceded him in death. Otis, or Paul as he was referred to by many, graduated from Cathedral Latin High School and Villanova University. He was a proud member of the United States Army from 1963 to 1966. Paul retired from the City of Cleveland's Recreation Division as Deputy Project Director in 2003 and later worked part-time for the Cuyahoga County Sheriff's Department as a process server. In the 1964 Olympics in Tokyo, Japan, Paul led the United States relay team to a world record gold medal win in the 4 X 100 relay and won a silver medal in the 200 meter race. Paul accomplished many other athletic feats including High School All-American, AAU champion from 1961-1963, two-time All-American at Villanova University, and numerous world-wide records. Paul loved life and people. He was passionate about history and could quote Bible passages as well as clergy. The recent United States Presidential election of Barrack Obama delighted Paul immensely and he would often engage everyone he came in contact with in a hearty discussion of President Obama. Paul was known for his continuous and hearty "high-fives" and funny stories. He savored the comradeship of his fellow Olympian and other athletes and looked forward every year to an annual gathering in Philadelphia prior to the final day of the Penn Relays. Paul started this annual Penn Relay dinner 13 years ago with five people and it has now grown to a large event with last year's attendance up to almost 75. Paul was concerned about today's youth, particularly young men, and encouraged education and/or service to the military. Although not a rich man and often teased for his frugality, Paul firmly believed in helping others in need and contributed to a variety of organizations. A devout Catholic, Paul enjoyed his life-long attendance at St. Cecilia's Catholic Church. He enjoyed traveling, photography, computers, great food and loved to have people visit his home. Paul was most happy at home with his wife, Jeune, and absolutely enjoyed his stepson, Walter (Thumper). Paul will be sorely missed. Paul is survived by his wife, Jeune; his stepson, Walter; his sisters Odessa Drayton-Iton, Kim M. Drayton, Giselle Hattie Morrison and Annette Whitt; many loyal cousins and countless friends. Family will receive friends Tuesday, March 9th, 6-8 pm at the E. F. Boyd & Son Funeral Home, 15357 Euclid Ave. Wake Wednesday, March 10th, 10:30 a.m. at St. Cecilia’s Church, 3476 E. 152nd St., followed by Homegoing service at 11:00 am. Proud US Army Veteran. Interment Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery, Rittman, OH.

Otis Drayton,

May 8, 1939 - March 2, 2010