Newsoms - Claude Drake, Jr., 89, passed away March 27, 2017 at his home. Claude proudly served his country as member of the United States Army during World War II, serving stateside as well as overseas. His passion was working on the family farm along with advocating for agriculture in the community and state. He was born in Newsoms and was the son of the late Claude Drake, Sr. and Lillie Mae Barnes Drake. He was also predeceased by his wife Alma Lee Joyner Drake, a grandson William Gould Drake, and a sister Catherine D. Winslow.

Mr. Drake was a devoted member of Newsoms Baptist Church where he served in numerous capacities. He was a member of Newsoms Ruritan Club and the Southampton ASCS County Committee. He served as a director for The Virginia Crop Improvement Association, Southampton County Farm Bureau, Virginia Peanut Board, and the Virginia- Carolina Peanut Growers Co-op.

Left to cherish his memory are two sons, Claude Dennis Drake and his wife Patty, Michael Gould Drake and his wife Rebecca, one daughter, Cindy Drake Richmond and her husband Joe, six grandchildren, Susan D. Bissonnette and her husband John, Amanda D. Hall and her husband Jeffrey, Wendy D. Burgess and her husband Adam, Westley B. Drake, Ryan J. Richmond, and Christopher D. Richmond, three great-grandchildren, Neva Grace Hall, Charlie Hall, and Madeline Bissonnette, one sister Louise D. Pixley, along with many nieces and nephews.

The funeral will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. Friday, March 31, 2017 at Newsoms Baptist Church with the Rev. Armand Jalbert officiating. The interment will follow in Hollywood Cemetery with military honors. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8PM Thursday, March 30, 2017 at the Newsoms Baptist Church. Memorials may be made to Newsoms Baptist Church, P.O. Box 312, Newsoms, VA 23874. www.wrightfuneralhome.org