James Anthony Drake, of Cullman, Alabama, entered the presence of our Lord and Savior on Saturday morning, August 24, 2024, at the age of 79. James was born in Cullman County, Alabama, on September 9, 1944, to the late Johnny Archie and Wynelle Wise Drake.
Mr. Drake was a graduating member of the Holly Pond High School class of 1962. James attended Wallace State Community College where he obtained associate degrees in the fields of both woodworking and electrical.
Mr. Drake served our nation honorably as an air mechanic in the United States Air Force where he was a veteran of the Vietnam War.
James was a member of Center Point Missionary Baptist Church. With a servant heart, Mr. Drake also served as the caretaker for the cemetery for over fifty years.
James had a positive outlook on life, and he enjoyed aggravating those he loved. He loved to spend time with his family and often that included him making homemade ice cream. James enjoyed watching Alabama football, taking care of his chickens, and going to town. He also loved to eat.
Those who had the honor of knowing James understand what a gift knowing him was. James was a devoted and loving husband to his late wife, Sue, a giving and kind father, a proud grandfather and great-grandfather, and a faithful friend and neighbor. James will be missed very much.
Mr. Drake is preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Betty Sue Drake; and an infant sister.
Those left to cherish James’ memory includes his children, April Smith (Jason), Brandon Drake (Shannon), Cherrie Harris (Jamie); grandchildren, Zane Miller (Megan), Sadie Rae Smith, Somer Harris, Anna Harris, Arleigh Harris, Eli Rainey, Jacob Rainey, Carsten Drake; great-grandson, Grayson Miller; sister, Montez Drake Brown; and a host of nieces and nephews.
Friends are invited to join the family for a time of visitation on Saturday evening, August 31st, 2024, from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. Funeral services will follow on Sunday afternoon, September 1st, 2024, beginning at 3 p.m., with Josh Drake and Jeffery Folds officiating. All services will be held at Center Point Missionary Baptist Church. James will be laid to rest following services in the adjoining cemetery where Jason Smith, Brandon Drake, Jamie Harris, Zane Miller, Kevin Brown, and Keith Brown will serve as pallbearers.
1. The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters. 3. He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. 4. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. 5. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. 6. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. ~ Psalm 23
Holly Pond Funeral Home is honored to have called James a friend. It is with great honor that we serve his family.
