Then Alabama Gov. "Big Jim" Folsom and Tom Drake, right
The Cullman Tribune would like to take this opportunity to wish a very Happy Birthday to one of Cullman County’s most colorful figures, Tom Drake, who turns a very young 86 years old today.
Drake was born on Dec. 5, 1930 and raised during the Great Depression. That era probably played a key factor in his life, instilling in him a love for his neighbors and friends, and a need to help them through hard times. Drake keeps coming to his office on a daily basis (even though he has retired) because, “Someone might need me. I love to help people,” he said earnestly.
Drake was only 6 years old when his father was killed by a train. Young Tom attended public schools in Cullman County, where he excelled in sports, eventually obtaining an athletic scholarship to the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, where he wrestled and played football for the Chattanooga "Mocs."
His athletic career was put on hold when he was drafted by the United States Army. He continued to wrestle on weekends and made a name for himself across the nation with fans of the sport. After an honorable discharge, he went on to become the head wrestling coach at the University of Alabama and member of the athletic staff under Coach Paul "Bear" Bryant.
Drake wrestled and/or partnered with many of the sports' greatest legends, including Gorgeous George, Lou Thesz, Bearcat Brown, Tojo Yamamoto and Len Rossi. Known as the "Cullman Comet," Drake wrestled professionally until 1978, and was inducted into the International Wrestlers Hall of Fame in 2001.
Drake entered law school at the University of Alabama in 1960. While still in school, he ran for public office, defeating 11 opponents without a run-off for a position in the State Legislature. In that position, he represented Cullman County for 32 years. While a member of the House of Representatives, he was elected to nine full terms as the Speaker of the House under then Gov. George Wallace.
Tom’s story is intricately interwoven with Cullman County history. The Cullman Tribune is honored to present you with a pictorial history of Tom Drake’s most important achievements, which have helped to promote and build Cullman into the bustling little city and thriving agricultural community that you see today.
Please join us in wishing the happiest of birthdays to Tom Drake, and be sure to check out his collection of memories in pictures in Thursday’s print edition of The Cullman Tribune.
Happy Birthday, Tom! We hope you have an extraordinary day!
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