Franklin – Roger Wilson Drake, Jr., 83, passed away peacefully with family by his side on Saturday, April 4. He was born in Franklin, VA on March 26, 1943. He was predeceased by his parents, Shirley Porter Drake and Roger Wilson Drake Sr. (Juanita), and a son, Roger Wilson Drake III.

Wilson graduated from Franklin High School in 1961 and continued his education at East Carolina College. After graduation, he returned to Franklin, VA where he began his career at Franklin Equipment Company, a business founded by his father, where he proudly served as the Executive Vice President of Marketing. It was then that he also began growing his family, whom he loved and was immensely proud of, often boasting about their accomplishments and celebrating all of life's biggest moments.

Left to cherish his memory is the love of his life of 51 years, Eva Ruth "Cookie" Atkinson Drake; four children Cindy Drake Hinrichs (Mike), Betty Anne Drake Beard, Terri Lynne Drake, and Timothy Walker Drake (Jenny); a brother, Randy Bert Drake (Gladys); ten grandchildren, Samuel Blount Drewry III (Ashleigh), Victoria Wilson Drewry Hansen (Nathan), Amanda Irene Beard, Jessica Lynne Wigley, Megan Drewry Worrell (Lawson), Alexa Erika Hinrichs, Adam Douglas Beard, Ashley Beard Szilvay (Blake), Steven Owen Wigley, and Ethan Ray Drake; eight great-grandchildren Kayleigh Eckert, Avery Drewry, Anderson Drewry, Scarlet Drewry, Samuel Drewry IV, Luke Dana, Kennedy Szilvay, and Declan Hansen; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Wilson was a member of Franklin Baptist Church, numerous forestry associations, and the Franklin-Southampton Chamber of Commerce. He was an Eagle Scout with the Boy Scouts of America. He also served on several community boards where he played crucial roles in fundraising initiatives, for which he wanted no recognition.

Wilson enjoyed traveling. Life was full of making memories whether it be a snow ski trip or water ski trip to Lake Gaston, a Miami boat show, or a tropical vacation with Cookie. He enjoyed dancing and was the life of the party on the dance floor.

In his retirement, Wilson enjoyed spending time at his beach home in Pirate's Cove, Manteo, NC. It was here that his love of the water and boating grew. As the self-appointed mayor of Pirate's Cove, he could often be found walking the docks or getting a cup of coffee at the Ship Store. He was an active member of the Pirate's Cove Slip Owners' Association for 16 years where he served as President for several years.

A memorial service will be held with a reception to follow at Franklin Baptist Church on Thursday, April 9, 2026 at 11am with Rev. Dr. Charles Qualls officiating. In lieu of flowers, you may make memorial donations to Franklin Baptist Church, 208 N. High St., Franklin, VA 23851 or your favorite charity.

www.wrightfuneralhome.org