NEWSOMS — Claude Drake Jr., 89, passed away March 27, 2017, at his home.
Claude proudly served his country as member of the Army during World War II, serving stateside as well as overseas. His passion was working on the family farm along with advocating for agriculture in the community and state.
He was born in Newsoms and was the son of the late Claude Drake Sr. and Lillie Mae Barnes Drake. He was also predeceased by his wife Alma Lee Joyner Drake; a grandson, William Gould Drake; and a sister, Catherine D. Winslow.
Mr. Drake was a devoted member of Newsoms Baptist Church where he served in numerous capacities. He was a member of Newsoms Ruritan Club and the Southampton ASCS County Committee. He served as a director for The Virginia Crop Improvement Association, Southampton County Farm Bureau, Virginia Peanut Board and the Virginia-Carolina Peanut Growers Co-op.
Left to cherish his memory are two sons, Claude Dennis Drake and his wife, Patty; and Michael Gould Drake and his wife, Rebecca; one daughter, Cindy Drake Richmond and her husband, Joe; six grandchildren, Susan D. Bissonnette and her husband, John; Amanda D. Hall and her husband, Jeffrey; Wendy D. Burgess and her husband, Adam; Westley B. Drake, Ryan J. Richmond and Christopher D. Richmond; three great-grandchildren, Neva Grace Hall, Charlie Hall and Madeline Bissonnette; one sister, Louise D. Pixley; along with many nieces and nephews.
The funeral will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Friday, March 31, in Newsoms Baptist Church with the Rev. Armand Jalbert officiating. The interment with military honors will follow in Hollywood Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, March 30, in Newsoms Baptist Church.
Memorials may be made to Newsoms Baptist Church, P.O. Box 312, Newsoms, VA 23874.
www.wrightfuneralhome.org.