Bobby E. Drayton

Bobby E. Drayton born in Montgomery, Alabama on January 11, 1937, the first of 4 children born to Catherine Drayton, departed this life on February 1, 2016 in his home with his wife of 51 years at his bedside. At a young age, Bobby and his family moved from Montgomery to Louisville, Kentucky where he attended public school. After graduating high school, he attended Central State University as a music major but transferred to Howard University where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 1965 and afterwards a Doctor of Dental Surgery in 1969. He also served in the U.S. Army and received an honorable discharge, during which time one of his most memorable events was serving in the Health Center at the Dr. Martin Luther King, “I Have Dream” March in 1963. After graduating from dental school, Bobby taught at the Howard University School of Dentistry for one year. He later opened a private practice where he serviced the East Baltimore Community until 2011. After closing his practice, he decided to go into semi-retirement and work 2 days per week with Mumby and Simmons Dental Consultants. Soon, twice a week became five days a week. And, when asked by his family with heads shaking, “Why??” Bobby would graciously smile and say, “Retirement is not mentioned in The Bible.” Bobby was a lifetime learner, continuing to attend professional development seminars in the field of dentistry, studying acupuncture, and completing a 3-year course in Bible Studies from The Baltimore School of The Bible. Dabbling in entrepreneurship, he would try his hand in a number of adventures through the years, from selling Amway to owning an apartment building. One of his most notable professional achievements was being elected as the first African American to serve as president of the American Dental Association of Baltimore. An active member of Forest Park Community Church since 1972, Bobby served as treasurer, adult Sunday School teacher, Elder, and lastly singing in the choir. He loved his church family. He is survived by the love of his life, Peggy Cardwell Drayton; his son Michael Emanuel Drayton (Veronica Drayton); his daughter Catherine Drayton-Barber (Timothy Barber); Siblings Brother Rippert Roberts and Charlotte Howard; Grandchildren Anja Drayton, Phoenix Barber, and Skye Barber; eight sister-in-laws and one brother-in-law; a host of nieces and nephews, extended family, and many caring church members. His favorite bible verse was Proverbs 3:5, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.”

Tributes

Bobby E. Drayton

January 1, 1937 - February 1, 2016