Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

FRANKLIN

Danny Ray Drake, 69, passed away March 30, 2020 at his home. Danny Ray was a native of Franklin. He was born October 4, 1950 to the late Roy Lee Drake and Edith Phillips Drake. He was a 1970 graduate of Franklin High School.

After graduation, Danny Ray went to work at Union Camp/International Paper working on the paper machines before transferring to Automotive Maintenance where he worked until the mill closed. After that, he could be found delivering auto parts part time for O’Reilly’s Auto Parts and later NAPA Auto Parts.

Danny Ray loved the Franklin community and enjoyed laughing, talking and traveling with friends. On any given day, he could be found grilling a “mean” steak, tending his garden (although he rarely ate the fruits of his labor), walking his property with his dog “Doodlebug,” riding the roads looking for an adventure, eating out at a good restaurant or as he liked to say, “piddling” in his garage. He was a die-hard Washington Redskins fan who never missed a game, cursing and hollering at the screen whether they won or lost.

Remaining to retell his life stories and carry on his legacy, Danny Ray leaves one daughter, Danielle Drake Dann (Vance) of Richmond; one son, Shawn E. Drake (Julie) of Chesapeake; and six grandchildren, twins Jamie L. and Jenna M. Drake, Cavan M. Dann, Connor R. Drake, Erica B. Dann and Elise C. Dann.

Also left to cherish his memory are his fiancee and other half, Terry Blythe, her children, grandchildren and family who all also loved him dearly. He also leaves behind many close and special friends.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at a later date. The family welcomes anyone who would like to attend an informal “Virtual Visitation” on April 6 at 6 p.m. to contact Shawn Drake at shawndrake2@gmail.com for information on how to attend.

The family suggests that in lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association or the American Diabetes Association. www.wrightfuneralhome.org