WATKINSVILLE – David H. Drake, Sr., 87, passed away Tuesday, September 8, 2015.
A native of Madison County, Mr. Drake was the son of the late Jessie Clinton Drake and Lillie Maude Tolbert Drake and was preceded in death by his first wife of 43 years, Bonnie Hazel Drake and his late wife of 20 years, Vivian Bradberry Drake; brothers, Guy Drake, Bud Drake, and Howard Drake; sister, Mary Stewart, and daughter-in-law, Felicia Drake. Mr. Drake retired from the United States Navy after 20 plus years of service and was an electrician with IBEW Local 613.
Mr. Drake was a loving father, husband, and grandfather, who loved his God and was a member of Colbert Baptist Church. He enjoyed his family, taking care of his cows on his farm in Colbert for many years, and loved his country.
Survivors include sons, David Drake, Jr. and Tim Drake and wife, Debbie; daughter, Deborah Elsey and husband, Charles, all of Colbert; step-daughters, Pat Howell and husband, Willie, Colbert, and Dianne Burkhalter, Winterville; brother, Clarke Drake; sister, Nina Mae Kesler, Nicholson; nine grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; and seven great-great-grandchildren.
Flowers are welcome or donations may be made to a charity of your choice.
Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, September 11, in the chapel at Bernstein Funeral Home with Pastor Brad Wilson officiating. Interment will follow at Evergreen Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, September 10, at the funeral home.
Online condolences may be made at www.bernsteinfuneralhome.com.