Robert Harold Drake, 85, of Vanceboro, passed away Sunday, Feb. 4, 2024.
He was born Oct. 29, 1938 in Craven County, a son of Robert and Maryland Drake.
A graduate of Farm Life High School, Harold married Alma Chandler on June 26, 1959 and they had two children.
Harold worked as a tire changer and truck driver and served in the National Guard before beginning a 28-year career at Weyerhaeuser. He retired to take care of Alma.
He was involved in several Vanceboro-area churches throughout his life and served as a Sunday school teacher and deacon.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Alma Drake; his son, John Harold Drake; three sisters, Helen Drake, Hazel Jones and Arlene Parker; and a brother, Linwood Drake.
He is survived by his daughter, Wanda Toler (William Shadie “Pee Wee”) of Caton; grandchildren, William R. Toler of Rockingham, Jesse Toler of Caton, Robert Chandler Drake (Chloe Meyer) of Arizona, Jordan Parnin (John) of Greenville, and Macy Cannon (Kalee) of Fuquay-Varina; great-grandchildren, Harley Franks (Zach), Charlotte Rae Parnin and Camden Meyer; daughter-in-law, Susan Drake; brother, Bobby Drake (Bonnie); nephew, Patrick Troutner of Vanceboro; other nieces, nephews and friends; and caretaker, Melanie Evans Jones.
Funeral service will be at 3 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 10, 2024 at Wilkerson Funeral Home in Vanceboro, with the Rev. Bryant Jones and the Rev. Mike Scott officiating. Visitation will be from 1-2:30 p.m. prior to the service. Burial will follow at Vanceboro Cemetery.
Wilkerson Funeral Home is serving the family.
