Claude Drake Jr.

Obituary For Claude Drake Jr.

Claude Drake, Jr. was born to the late Claude and Magnolia Drake on September 11, 1937, in Thomaston, Georgia as the fifth of 11 children and the oldest son.

Claude graduated from Thomaston Training School/Drake High School in 1957, Thomaston, Georgia. He played football as a quarterback until he was injured.

Early in life, Claude married Edna Dixon in 1959. To this union, three children were born. Regionald, Rita, and Ronald. They were married for 33 years.

Claude married Rosa Jennings in 1998 and her death parted them in July 2021.

He worked at Martha Mills Textile for over 30 years, retiring in 1990. Claude was a businessman and taught his children the ethics of working at a very early age; he had an entrepreneurial spirit and involved his children in his small cleaning business and continued to work beyond retirement “somewhere”. He also managed Drake Rental Properties which he owned with his siblings.

Claude was a member of St. Mary AME Church for over 50 years as a VERY faithful and active member. He served on the Trustee and Steward Boards, sang with the Male Chorus , a member of Sons of Allen, and also attended Sunday School. Claude loved his church and church family and was often at the church whenever anything was being held.

Claude loved his family and his family loved him. He was highly respected by all and was the patriarch of the family. Although he did not talk much, when he did everyone listened because he always had the last word. “His words were gold”.

During his younger days, Claude owned and rode Honda motorcycles. He enjoyed joy riding around Thomaston on Sundays.

Claude was an avid sports fan. He loved his Atlanta Falcons, Atlanta Braves, and Atlanta Hawks and could tell you all about the games because he watched them often. He and Reg would call each other almost every Sunday and have long discussions about the games and players.

Over the last 4 years, he started traveling with his family to such places as Daytona Beach, Panama City, Florida, and even took a plane ride to Colorado Springs, Colorado in 2023. On his last trip, he was so proud to have attended Eugene’s (grandson) wedding (November 2024) and enjoyed the four days with family and friends in Cedar Bluff, Alabama.

Claude was preceded in death by his son, Ronald Glen Drake, brothers: James, Lucious, and Milton, sisters: Mary Frances, Anna Marie, Gladys, and Jessie Lue.

Claude leaves to cherish his memories, son, Regionald Drake, daughter, Rita Drake (James); two grandchildren, Eugene Fuller, Jr. (Janel) and Ronald Glenn Drake, Jr., brother: Charles Drake (Margaret), sisters: Gwendolyn Mayes (Marion) and Earnestine Drake Lowe and a longtime friend, Edna Drake. Many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.