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NEWSOMS – George Thomas Drake Sr., 92, departed this world peacefully on June 22, 2023, with his loving family by his side. George was born in Newsoms on Aug. 30, 1930, to the late Mary Barnes “Lizzie” and Genie D

rake.

George served his country during the Korean War as a corporal in the U.S. Army. Upon returning home in 1953, Mr. Drake started his own business as a contracted truck driver for Virginia Department of Transportation and Union Camp Corporation. George’s lifelong farming career began in 1955 while also continuing his trucking business. His successful and award winning farming career continued until 2016. He then served in an advisory role for George T. Drake Jr. Farms, LLC. In addition to his family, George was very proud of the land he acquired and cultivated during his lifetime.

An avid gardener, George found joy in sharing his produce with family and friends in the community. He was a member of Newsoms Baptist Church where he served as a deacon and the oldest trustee of the church. Mr. Drake enjoyed his membership in the Newsoms Hunt Club and the S&S Hunt Club where he relished a delicious ribeye steak followed by a good game of poker. He was a past member of the Newsoms Ruritan Club and the Franklin Moose Lodge. George and Mary enjoyed dancing, dining out and traveling. One of his favorite hobbies was following his investments in the New York Stock Exchange and the Commodities Market. As George often said, “I won some and I lost some!”

In addition to his parents, George was predeceased by his sisters, Marion Drake Poole, Loretta Drake Faison; niece Tonya Kay Faison and brother-in-law, Dick C. Poole.

Left to cherish his memory is his loving wife of 65 years, Mary; his son, George Thomas “Tommy” Drake Jr., (Debra); daughter, Lisa Drake Skeeters (John) and the apple of his eye, granddaughter, Ryleigh Elizabeth Skeeters. Mr. Drake is also survived by his brother, Curtis W. Drake (Margie); brother-in-law, Mills B. Faison Jr.; special cousin, Louise D. Pixley and many loving nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life funeral service will be held on Monday, June 26, at 11 a.m. in Newsoms Baptist Church, in Newsoms with the Reverends Tom Wallace and Curtis Faison officiating. Burial will follow in Hollywood Cemetery in Newsoms. The family will receive visitors on Sunday, June 25 from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. at Wright Funeral Home in Franklin and at other times at the home of Tommy Drake, 24254 Thomston Road, Newsoms. Memorial donations may be made to Newsoms Baptist Church Building Fund, P.O. Box 312, Newsoms, Virginia 23874 or Southampton Academy, 26495 Old Plank Road, Courtland, Virginia 23837.

The family also thanks Gentiva Hospice and his wonderful caregivers Angie Smith, Elizabeth DelVecchio, Carolyn Hill, Jacqueline Hill, Tonya Tyler, Kathy Williams and Edna Worrell. George Thomas, a pillar in the community, was loved by his family and friends and will be deeply missed.

www.wrightfuneralhome.org