Raymond Ezra "Tot" Drake

Newsoms – Raymond Ezra “Tot” Drake, 84, passed away October 15, 2026 in his home with his family by his side. A life-long resident of Southampton County, he was the son of the late Ray Elvin Drake and Lorena Bryant Drake.

Tot was a graduate of Southampton High School, attended Old Dominion University and served in the National Guard. He was a retired paper maker on #3 paper machine at Union Camp with 40 years of service and also raised Perdue chickens, farmed and owned Drake Sausage. Tot was awarded for faithfully donating blood to the American Red Cross.

He found enjoyment in the love of nature and watching things grow as well as being an avid hunter, fisherman, and gardener. Tot was a member of Newsoms United Methodist Church and was a Sunday school teacher.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife of 62 years, Mildred Buckner Drake; a daughter, Mindy Drake Crowder and her husband Matt; a son, Raymond Neil Drake and his wife Linda; a sister, Patricia Drake Johnson; three grandchildren, Grayson Drake Hasty and her husband Dillon, Emma Christine Drake and her fiancé Hunter Stokely, and Jordan Bryce Crowder; and two great grandchildren, Collins and Graham Hasty. His greatest source of pride was his family.

A Funeral Service will be held at 11AM Wednesday, October 21, 2026 in Newsoms United Methodist Church with Rev. Michael Baugham officiating. Burial will follow in Hollywood Cemetery. The family suggests that memorial donations be made to Newsoms United Methodist Church.

www.wrightfuneralhome.org