Kenneth Gene Drayton, 56, of Jacksonville, answered his Master's call and entered eternal rest, surrounded by his siblings on Saturday, March 20, 2021 at Ascension St. Vincent's Medical Center Riverside, Jacksonville. A native of Palatka, he was the son of Nathaniel and Christine (Pope) Drayton, he was born on Sunday, January 3, 1965. Kenneth was educated in the Putnam County School District at Palatka High School. At an early age, he was converted at Mt. Carmel Freewill Baptist Church and later joined and served as a Deacon at The Lord's Temple, Hastings.  He was formerly employed as a preventative maintenance specialist contracted at Seminole Electric of Palatka. He enjoyed spending time with his family, fishing and singing old gospel hymns. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in eternal rest by his sister, Beverly Ferrell; brother, Deacon Robert Drayton.

He leaves to cherish his memories: daughters, La'Jeania (Antoine) Drayton-Brister, Ft. Worth, TX; Seaton Wilson, Jacksonville; De'Arbo Drayton, Panama City; Ashley Drayton, CA; Kendriana (Elzy) Drayton-Miller, Kenisha Drayton, both of Gainesville; 11 grandchildren; brothers, Joseph Drayton, Patterson, LA; James Scott, Jr., Quincy; Nathaniel Drayton, Jr., Ray Drayton, both of Gainesville; Gary Drayton, Cross City; Isaac Green, Palatka; sisters, Glenda Scott, Tallahassee, Mary Drayton, Palatka; Shirley Drayton Brown, Jacksonville; Barbara (Willie) Russell, Bronson; brother-in-law , Ceive Ferrell, Tallahassee; sister-in-law , Sylvia Johnson Drayton, Miami; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

In compliance with CDC COVID-19 guidelines (including required masks) a socially-distanced visitation will be 5-7 p.m., Friday, March 26, and a Celebration of Kenneth's Life will be held 11 a.m., Saturday, March 27 at "Flagg's Chapel of Serenity." Bishop Thomas Cave, III, Pastor of The Lord's Temple City of Refuge, Hastings, eulogist. Bishop Moses Long, pastor of Mt. Carmel Freewill Baptist Church, officiating.