Harvey Eugene Drawdy

If you were one of those fortunate students who attended Pate Elementary School in Darlington, S.C. between 1961 and 1994, you probably have some very fond memories of a school that was more than a school; it was also a home and a family where everyone belonged. You may remember a safe and supportive learning environment where the relations between teachers, faculty and families were positive and good. You likely recall fun experiences like the annual Pate School Halloween Carnival, the King and Queen of Hearts celebration on Valentine's Day, kissing the Blarney Stone on St. Patrick's Day, and so much more. If you do remember these things, then you most definitely remember Mr. Harvey Drawdy, the beloved and dedicated principal whose impeccable leadership played a predominant role in the school's success for over three decades.

Mr. Harvey Drawdy, the son of Willie Eugene Drawdy and Flora Hall Drawdy, was born in Great Falls, S.C. in 1932. He spent most of his childhood there, but moved with his sister to his grandparents' home in Tennessee when he was ten-years-old. This was during World War II. His father was serving in the U.S. Navy, and his mother was working in California to support the war effort. Young Harvey Drawdy spent three years of his life growing up in the mountains of Tennessee. During this time, he missed his parents dearly, but he also treasured the experiences he shared with his grandparents and extended family members. Because of them, he fell in love with country life. He learned to hunt and fish and farm, and became a true outdoorsman.

After the war ended, Mr. Drawdy and his family moved back home to Great Falls, S.C. where he spent the rest of his teenage years. He graduated from Great Falls High School in 1950. The Korean Conflict was going on at the time, so Mr. Drawdy enlisted to serve in the U.S. Air Force. While in service, he engaged and married Merle Louise Camp, the love of his life. The couple moved to Travis Air Force Base in California where their oldest son Stanley Eugene was born. The family stayed in California for 2 years, but moved back to South Carolina in 1955. With  encouragement from his wife, Mr. Drawdy decided to take advantage of the G.I. Bill and was accepted to Newberry College  where he studied Political Science and Education. His family lived in Newberry, S.C. for 3 years, then moved back to Great Falls  where Richard James, his second son, was born.

Shortly after graduating college, Mr. Drawdy was offered a teaching position at Brunson-Dargan Junior High in Darlington, S.C. He accepted and moved his family to Darlington in 1958.

He was well-received by the people of the community; they fell in love with him, and he fell in love with them. Right away, Mr. Drawdy knew that he had found his life's passion in teaching and working with young people. He extended this passion outside of the classroom by coaching and directing at the Darlington Recreation Department, teaching guitar lessons, working as a scout leader and as a youth leader at The First Baptist Church. Mr. Drawdy and his family had found a new home in the town of Darlington.

Mr. Drawdy decided to further his education after becoming more rooted in the community and school system and earned his Masters of Education Degree from the University of South Carolina. Upon  accomplishing this, he was promoted to the position of principal at Pate Elementary School, and his career was established.  In 1967, Mr. Drawdy and his wife built a home in the country and welcomed a new daughter Tami Louise into the world.  They welcomed their second daughter Tiffni Jo in 1971.

Mr. Drawdy went on to serve honorably and proudly as principal of Pate School for 33 years. He worked every day to make Pate School the very best it could be. He presided over one of the most cohesive, productive and effective parent/teacher organizations the school district has ever seen.  He genuinely cared for every child who came through the doors of his school. He was especially proud of Pate School's program for deaf and handicapped children. These students were near and dear to his heart. Mr. Drawdy always had a special love for the challenged and disabled children of his school and community. As a testament, he served many years as the director of Camp Love, a church and community based summer camp for special needs children. Mr. Drawdy was a role model who touched the lives of many children and inspired  many more. When he retired in 1994, the new wing of the Pate School building was named after him in his honor.

After his retirement, Mr. Drawdy still remained active in his church and community. He participated and spoke at numerous public events. He received the 2020 Pearl of the Pee Dee Award and a Quilt of Valor Award in 2022. He served on the board of the Black Creek Coon Hunting Club and helped organize their annual youth hunt. He cherished spending time with his family and never missed a birthday, holiday or special occasion. Mr. Drawdy was a man of faith who loved God, his wife, his family, his friends and his community. His life has been a blessing to all who know him. Mr. Harvey Drawdy was a true hometown hero.

Mr. Drawdy went to join The Lord on the morning of November 5, 2022.  He is survived by his wife Merle C. Drawdy, his son Rick Drawdy (Ann), his daughter Tami Tucker (Lee), his daughter Tiffni Drawdy (fiancé Rick Clark), five grandchildren: Brad Drawdy (Holly), Katie Royall (David), Bethany Drawdy, Will Drawdy, and Tamilee Drawdy Tucker. He is also survived by five great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild: T.J. Drawdy, McKenzie Drawdy, Nick Taylor, Tatum Royall, Dayton Royall, Dawsii Stanley Taylor, and his daughter-in-law Janice Drawdy. Mr. Drawdy was preceded in death by his oldest son Stanley Eugene Drawdy on September 28, 2022.

A visitation will be held in Belk Funeral Home on Monday, November 7 from 6:00pm until 8:00pm. A funeral service will take place in First Baptist Church Darlington Tuesday, November 8 at 2:00pm, with a private burial following on Mr. Drawdy's property.

Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Benevolence Fund P.O. Box 297, Darlington, SC 29540 or the Darlington County Humane Society P.O. Box 1655, Hartsville, SC 29551.