Obituary: Samuel M. Draisen
Draisen, 76, passed away on Aug. 1. He was a lay leader at several air bases.
Samuel M. Draisen, 76, of Atlanta, passed away Aug. 1 of complications from a biopsy. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and brother. Sam was born Feb. 8, 1942, in Lynn, Mass. to Hyman and Eunice Draisen. He is preceded in death by his parents and sister, Judy Glassman, and survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Carol Gilmer Draisen; his son, Howie Draisen (Stephanie); daughter, Rebecca Abramovich (Dan); grandchildren, Ryan, Alex, Micah, Libby, and Brendan; siblings, Barry Draisen (Ellen), Bernice Goldman (Lloyd), and David Draisen(Andrea); and brother-in-law, Bruce Glassman.
Sam graduated from Boys’ High School in Anderson, S.C., in 1960 and the University of South Carolina with a Bachelor of Science in pharmacy in 1966. He entered the U.S. Air Force as a pharmacy officer in January 1967 and retired in June 1987. While in the Air Force, he worked as a spotter with Air Rescue in Alaska. He became a commercial pilot with instrument rating and then a certified flight instructor. In Alabama, he served as commander of Civil Air Patrol squadron. He also served as Jewish lay leader at several air bases. Sam retired from the military to Atlanta in 1987 and was a pharmacist at Dunwoody Medical Center and Northside Hospital.
Sam gave back to the community in so many ways. He was a Shriner and president of the Northeast Dekalb Shrine Club for two years. He was president of Achim/Gate City Lodge, B’nai B’rith for four years. Sam was senior vice commander in Atlanta Bicentennial Post 112 of the Jewish War Veterans. He also helped at the VA nursing home and sold poppies for its annual fundraiser. Sam was a gentleman in the truest sense of the word – kind, quiet, and gentle. He always thought about other people’s needs and was a warm and loving family man. He had an amazing sense of humor and loved to laugh. He had so many health issues with his heart and lungs in the last 10 years of his life. He never complained; he never felt sorry for himself; and he always put others’ needs before his own, especially those of his beloved wife, Carol. If it were not for her, we would have lost Sam many years ago. Her love and nurturing, together with his amazing attitude and sense of humor, gave us so much more time with him and gave his grandchildren enough time to remember what a wonderful soul he was. The outpouring of support and comfort from family, friends, and his community is a testament to Sam’s kindness and character. A graveside service was held Friday, Aug. 3, 2018, at Arlington Memorial Park. Arrangements made by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999.
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