William Howard Drake

MR. WILLIAM HOWARD DRAKE, 63 of MT. GILEAD, NC, passed away Wednesday, February 6, 2019  at the Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center in Winston Salem, NC.

Funeral Services will be held 1:00 p.m. Sunday, February 10, 2019 at the West Montgomery High School Auditorium, 147 Warrior Drive, MT. Gilead, NC.  Military Honors, Commital and  Interment will follow in the Green Lake Congregational Church Cemetery, Pekin Community, Candor, NC.

William Howard Drake, a son of the late Rufus Drake and Lair Ruth Patterson Drake, was born on Wednesday, November 23, 1955, in Montgomery County, NC.  He passed away on Wednesday, February 6, 2019, in the Wake Forest Baptist Heath Center, Winston-Salem,  North Carolina.

Howard as he was fondly called by everyone  attended the public schools of Richmond County (Ellerbe Hgh School) Ellerbe, NC.  Later he courageously served his country in his country in the United States Army, where he served for four years and was honorably discharged.

After serving his country, he became employed in the textiles industry until his health began to decline.

He had a generous and giving spirit and never met a stranger.  Howard had a special way with the  elderly showering them with respect, in the family church and community.

Howard joined Greenlake Congregational Church, where he was a faith member and happily served on the Usher and Trustee Boards.  He also enjoyed attending and participating in Sunday School.

Howard was joined in holy matrimony to this life partner, Miss Eleanor Lindsey, and they were blessed with 41 years of marriage.  Although they didn't have children, he was instrumental in helping raise his brother and sister-in-law, Rochelle and Kim, after the passing of their parents.  His heart and arms were always open to family and friends,  His presence will be sorely missed.  He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Willie James Drake and Charlie Drake and a sister, Carolyn Drake.

He leaves to cherish and to honor his memories, his loving and devoted wife, Eleanor Lindsey Drake of the home; five brothers, Danny Drake (Wanda) of High Point, NC; Ronald Drake (Geraldine) of Mt. Gilead, NC, Larry Drake (Naomi) of Troy, NC, Rufus Drake of Rockingham, NC and George Drake (Dorothy) of Elizabeth City, NC; four sisters, Brenda Drake of Mt. Gilead, NC,, Thelma Almond(Robert) of Ellerbe, NC, Leatrice Dockery (Rev. R.L.) of Covington, NC, and Betty Walser (Michael) of Wake Forest, NC; five sisters-in-law, Gwendolyn Little (Gerry) of Mt. Gilead, NC, Cynthia Wallace (Melvyn), Karen Little, Kimberly Little (Willie) all of Asheboro, NC, and Betty C. Drake;  two brothers-in-law, Kenneth Lindsey (Sabrina) and Rochelle Lindsey, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and dear friends.

A public viewing will be held 1:00 pm to 7:00 pm Saturday, February 9, 2019 at Harris Funeral Home and Cremations of Mt. Gilead, NC, whom is serving the Drake, Lindsey and extended families .