William Henry Draper III, a decorated U.S. Army veteran and longtime resident of Springfield, Virginia, died peacefully on July 4, 2026, in Leesburg, Virginia, at the age of 90. Born on September 15, 1935, in Ashton, Rhode Island, Draper was the son of William Henry II and Alice Draper.

After graduating from high school at 16, Draper enlisted in the U.S. Army, embarking on a military career that spanned more than two decades. He served honorably during the Vietnam War with the U.S. Army Signal Corps, Airborne, and Special Forces units. Over the course of his service, Draper earned the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and Army Commendation Medal. He retired from active duty as a Chief Warrant Officer W4 and continued to serve in the Army Reserves.

Following his military career, Draper worked in the private sector at De Leuw, Cather, and Parsons, where he held positions as an engineering document controller and asset manager until his retirement in 2006.

Draper married Carolyn McCann on June 9, 1961. The couple shared 55 years of marriage before Carolyn’s passing. Known affectionately as “Pop Pop” by friends and family, Draper was an avid outdoorsman with a lifelong passion for fishing, hunting, and trapping—interests that he passed on to his son, William H. Draper IV. He and Carolyn were also devoted sports fans, regularly supporting the Boston Red Sox and Boston Celtics, and actively encouraged their sons’ and grandson’s involvement in athletics and other activities.

The family also cherished their annual trips to the Outer Banks in North Carolina, where they hosted relatives and friends for beach vacations.

Draper is survived by his brother George, sons William H. Draper IV and Timothy Draper, daughter-in-law Maria-Christina, and grandson William H. Draper V.

The family extended their gratitude to the staff of Access Care for their compassionate support in Draper’s final days.

Funeral services are scheduled for August 7, 2026, at Saint Bernadette’s Catholic Church in Springfield. Burial will take place at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorial contributions be directed to the American Cancer Society or the Green Beret Foundation.