Curtis Draper

A Celebration of Life Service will be held Friday, October 2, 2026, at 11 am at New Hope Baptist Church. Interment will follow at the City of Lubbock Cemetery under the direction of Griffin Mortuary. Visitation will be held Thursday, October 1, 2026 from 5pm to 7pm at Griffin Mortuary. Curtis Draper was born on November 3, 1973, in California to Vanessa Ross and Curtis Draper Sr. At the age of three, Curtis relocated to Lubbock, Texas, where he was lovingly raised by his grandmother, Ruby Ross, and grandfather, Claude James. It was in Lubbock that Curtis planted roots, built lifelong relationships, and began a journey that would allow him to touch countless lives.

From an early age, Curtis developed a love for football that would become an important part of his life and legacy. He attended Estacado High School, where he distinguished himself as an offensive lineman. His talent, strength, and dedication earned him the opportunity to represent the Texas All-Stars in the 1992 Oil Bowl. Standing 6 feet 4 inches and weighing 310 pounds, Curtis was a commanding presence on the field and had already set his sights on continuing his education and football career at Baylor University.

Curtis went on to attend Baylor University, where he continued playing football as an offensive lineman for the Baylor Bears, wearing number 78. While at Baylor, he pursued his education and proudly earned a degree in Sociology. His years as a student-athlete helped strengthen many of the qualities that would define the rest of his life—discipline, determination, teamwork, leadership, and perseverance.

Following his playing days, Curtis dedicated himself to helping others. He worked for several years with Catholic Family Services as a counselor, serving individuals and families throughout the community. His desire to make a difference eventually led him into education and coaching.

Curtis taught and coached at Monterey High School and Estacado High School in Lubbock, Texas, before continuing his career at Commerce High School in Commerce, Texas. Whether standing in a classroom, on the sidelines, or on a practice field, Curtis understood that his responsibility extended far beyond teaching academics or the game of football. He was helping to shape young lives.

To generations of young people and families, he simply became known as “Coach Draper.”

Coaching was more than a title to Curtis—it was an opportunity to mentor, encourage, teach, and lead. He believed in helping young athletes become better players, but more importantly, better young men and women. The lessons he shared about discipline, teamwork, accountability, perseverance, and responsibility followed many of his players long after the final whistle.

Curtis's commitment to Lubbock youth athletics extended throughout the community. He served for many years as President of the MLK Little League and also served as Vice President of Lubbock YFL, now known as Flatland Youth Football. Through his leadership and service, he helped organize opportunities for children to participate and compete, worked alongside coaches and parents, and remained a familiar and trusted presence among families throughout the football community.

His impact could never be measured simply by wins and losses. Curtis's true legacy can be found in the young people he encouraged, the athletes he challenged to do better, the families he supported, and the lives that were changed because "Coach Draper cared enough to show up."

Later in life, as health challenges caused him to make adjustments, Curtis continued working and contributing. He joined AutoZone on a part-time basis, where he brought the same pride, dedication, and strong work ethic that had characterized every chapter of his life. He became respected and loved by his coworkers and customers, demonstrating that no matter the position or circumstance, Curtis believed in giving his best.

Curtis was much more than an athlete or coach. He was a father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle, counselor, educator, mentor, coworker, friend, and community servant. His journey took him from the football fields of Estacado High School to Baylor University, from counseling families to teaching students, from coaching sidelines to serving Lubbock's youth, and through every season, he left an imprint on the people around him.

Curtis understood that some of life's greatest victories do not appear on a scoreboard. They are found in the lives we influence, the people we encourage, the children we guide, and the legacy we leave behind.

On September 14, 2026, Curtis completed his earthly journey, leaving behind a lifetime of memories and a legacy that will continue through his family, friends, former students, athletes, coworkers, and the Lubbock community he served.

Curtis was preceded in death by his beloved grandmother, Ruby Ross, and grandfather, Claude James.

He leaves to cherish his memory his son, Jeffery Reed; daughter, Ashton Draper; grandson, Julius Favors-Reed; mother, Vanessa Ross; sister, LaKehla Walter; brothers, James Hawthorne, Patrick Lewis, and Benard Lewis; along with a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, former players, students, colleagues, friends, and loved ones.

Although Coach Draper has left the field for the final time, the lessons he taught, the lives he touched, and the love he shared remain.

His whistle may now be silent, but his influence will continue to echo through every life he helped shape.

Predeceased by : Ruby Ross - Grandmother and Claude - James Grandfather.

Survived by: children Jeffery Reed and Ashton Draper, grandchild : Julius Favors-Reed, Mother Vanessa Ross, sister LaKehla Walter, brothers James Hawthorne, Patrick Lewis, Bernard Lewis. A host of nieces and nephews

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.”— 2 Timothy 4:7

Rest well, Coach Draper.

Your work is complete, but your legacy lives on.