Newsoms -Roy Edward Drake passed away November 4, 2010 in Suffolk, VA at the age of 84. He was born in Newsoms, VA to the late Linwood R. Drake, Sr. and Nellie Vick Drake. Mr. Drake, or “Pa” as he was affectionately called by his friends and family, was a retired lifelong farmer and former employee of the Virginia Department of Transportation. He served two years in the Merchant Marines and was former president and a founding member of the Sands and Statesville Hunt Club. He was a lifelong member and a trustee of the Barnes United Methodist.

Mr. Drake was an avid rabbit, deer, and coon hunter in his early years of life. He had a passion for digging peanuts, gardening, fine country cooking, and thoroughly enjoyed leisurely rides on Sunday evenings to check on the growing crops as they progressed throughout the season. He was also a member of the local Moose Lodge where he didn’t miss a Saturday night dance for years.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory a loving wife of 65 years, Mary Burgess Drake; one son, Edward Stewart Drake and wife Grace Lynn of Newsoms, VA; two daughters, Connie Corbitt and husband Charlie of Franklin, VA, Ann Burgess and husband Bill of Franklin, VA; five grandsons, Brad Corbitt and wife Wendy of Rolesville, NC, Chris and Stephen Drake, and Michael and Matthew Burgess; one great grandson, Addison “Boy” Corbitt; and a brother, Linwood R. Drake, Jr. and wife Evelyn. He was predeceased by an infant brother Ralph. He also leaves behind his faithful “Jack Russell” companion J.R.

The funeral will be conducted at 2:00 pm Saturday, November 6, 2010 at Wright Funeral Home, Franklin, with the Rev. Darwin Edwards officiating. Interment will follow in Hollywood Cemetery, Newsoms. The family will receive friends from 7 to 9 pm today (Friday) at Barnes United Methodist Church and suggests memorials be made to Barnes United Methodist Church, c/o Betty Darden, 33701 Statesville Road, Newsoms, VA. 23874. www.wrightfuneralhome.org