Nathaniel “Tater” James Draper | Eastern NC Now

    Nathaniel "Tater" James Draper, 21, was born on July 11, 2005, in Phoenix, Arizona. He passed away on September 17th, 2026. Nate was our miracle boy from the very beginning. He was born with a heart condition that necessitated a heart transplant. 12 hours after his birth, Nate was life flighted to UCLA Medical Center to receive heart transplant surgery. In 2005, UCLA was the closest hospital that performed pediatric heart transplants. During the transport flight, Nate suffered some brain bleeding and was unable to be placed on the transplant list. However, within a couple of weeks, Nate had healed enough to be placed on the list. Our family had no idea that we would spend the next year living in hotels in L.A. as we managed Nate, and his identical twin brother, Nick's, medical condition. Nate waited on the heart transplant list for 8 months, when doctors discovered that Nate's heart was healing to the point that he no longer required a heart transplant!

    Nate was diagnosed with a mitochondrial disorder at 4 years old, which caused him to have numerous medical complications, including seizures, vision issues, GI issues, and other medical conditions. He endured every illness and setback with strength and perseverance. Nate has a "warrior" spirit, and he is our hero!

    Nate loved to watch Sofia the First, Doc McStuffins, Octonauts, Super Monsters, and any shows with bright colors, funny sounds, and music. His sensory ball was his favorite toy, and he held onto it almost every waking moment. Nate loved attending school, and he really loved riding the bus! He recently enjoyed attending the Best Buddies Prom and graduation! Most of all, Nate loved people; he lit up and laughed whenever anyone talked to him or he heard a noise, and his infectious smile and laugh would light up a room. Tater was blessed with fabulous siblings and adored his entire family, but he was happiest when his mom was talking to him; he always had the biggest kisses for her! Although Nate has a warrior spirit, he was also the sweetest boy!

    We can't let this opportunity pass without thanking the innumerable kindhearted people who became part of our family as they cared for Nate in our home. He was also blessed with amazing and compassionate hospital nurses, doctors, therapists, teachers, friends, church members, extended family, and Ryan House staff.

    Nate is survived by his loving family: parents, Michael and Nicole Draper; siblings, Caitlin Draper, Brendan Draper (Nicole Ringer), Emma Benson (Luke Benson); as well as his paternal grandma, Eleanor Draper, maternal grandparents Gregory and Joy Loosli; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins who adored him. He was preceded in death by his sweet twin brother, Nicholas "Pickle" Draper, and his paternal grandpa, James Draper.

    Funeral services were held on Saturday, September 26, 2026, in Phoenix. A visitation will be held on Thursday, October 1, 2026, from 6 pm to 8 pm, at Paul Funeral Home, 900 John Small Ave, Washington, NC 27889. Nate will be laid to rest in the Draper Family Cemetery in Pinetown, North Carolina.

    We appreciate Paul Funeral Home for handling the viewing and interment arrangements. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Ronald McDonald House or the Ryan House. Ryan House is a care facility that provides respite, palliative and end-of-life care for children with life-limiting conditions and the families who care for them. Nate, his twin brother Nick, and the rest of the family have benefited greatly from both facilities' services over the years and truly appreciate all they do.