Edward Basil Drake
Edward Basil Drake of Troy died Friday, March 13, 2009 in Troy. He was 78 years old. There will be a celebration of his life Tuesday, March 17, 2009 at First Baptist Church in Troy with Dr. Luke Lane officiating.
Visitation begins at 1 p.m., with the memorial service to follow at 2 p.m.
Basil is survived by his wife, Dorothy Drake; his daughters and sons-in-law, Karen and Turner Cooper of Mobile and Ann and Kim Mann of Marietta, Ga.; his son and daughter-in-law, Sam and Stefanie Drake of Atlanta, Ga., his grandchildren Matt Cooper, Lynde and Bretson Mann, foster grandchild Gilbert Cosson and several extended family members.
He was preceded in death by his parents Elijah Basil Drake and Lyndell Ullery and stepfather Chuck Ullery.
Basil Drake spent his life in service to his family and community. He was a retired manager of Liberty National Life Insurance Company, past president of the Troy Rotary Club, past Chairman of the Polio-Plus Club Campaign, past-chairman of the Rotary Pancake Supper and was a Paul Harris fellow of the Rotary Club.
Mr. Drake also served as past chairman of the Pike County United Appeal Campaign, past regional chairman of the Arthritis Foundation, past president of the Troy State University Action Club and past chairman of the Pike County Education Foundation.
He also served as coach or assistant coach of countless sports teams through the years.
Honorary pallbearers will be led by Norman Rape and include his fellow workers of the Liberty National Life Company, present and former members of the Troy Rotary Club, and members of the Baraca Sunday school class of First Baptist Church.
The family asks that memorials be made to Troy First Baptist Church or charity of choice.
Please visit the Dillard Funeral Home Web site at www.dillardfh.com to sign the guestbook.