Mr. Lawrence Drake, Sr., was born to the late Mrs. Lela Mae Drake Brandon and Mr. Lawson Charlie Ross on Apri1 4, 1948, in Huntsville, Alabama. On Thursday, November 8, 2007, at the Huntsville Hospital CCU, he transitioned from life to eternity.
He gave his life to Christ at an early age and joined the Union Chapel Missionary Baptist Church under the pastoral leadership of the late Reverend L. F. Lacey. He later joined Zion Progress Missionary Baptist Church under the pastoral leadership of the Reverend John Baker.
Lawrence was a strong and wise servant of God. He knew the Lord and daily walked according to his Word. He constantly offered words of wisdom and encouragement to those with whom he came in contact. Prior to his hospitalization, his faith was strong and he was continuously expressing love and giving praise and thanks to God for his many rich blessings.
He was a football enthusiast who loved to travel, attend motorcycle events, and watch any western movie that came on television.
Lawrence's formal education was in the Huntsville City School System. He graduated from William Hooper Councill High School in Huntsville, Alabama in 1966. He was employed by the General Electric Company in Decatur, Alabama for nineteen years until his health began to decline.
He leaves treasured memories with his loving and devoted wife of eighteen years, Sharon Patton Drake; seven children: Lawrence, Jr., (Vonda); Fonda (James) Rice, Jacquelynn (Terrance) Elliott, Anthony Drake, and Kelley Drake, all of Huntsville, Alabama; Steven Drake of Tanner, Alabama and Tiara Yvette Drake of Tanner, Alabama; brothers: Earl (Ninell) Drake, Franklin Drake, Cornell (Sarah) Drake, Darrick Brandon and Robert Drake all of Huntsville, Alabama; sisters: Ida Mae Drake, Lizzie Brandon, and Debbie(Anthony) Preyer all of Huntsville, Alabama; goddaughter, LaShonda Humphrey; his mother in-law, Mrs. Cora Belle Farris; two sisters-in-law: Mary (Dewayne) Kelley, Shelia Jones; two brothers-in-law: George Cleatus (Gwen) Patton, Willie C. (Renae) Patton; thirteen grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Funeral services for Mr. Lawrence (Head) Drake Sr., will be held at 1200 noon on Monday, November 12, 2007 from First Missionary Baptist Church with Elder Hernandez Ford, Sr. officiating. Mr. Drake's remains will be in church one hour prior to the services. Interment is in Blutcher's Ford Cemetery.