ashville(south carolina) times published this on the 25th....
Ellie Thomas 'Tommy' Drake, III
Vancleave, Miss. â€" Ellie Thomas Tommy
Drake III, 38, of Vancleave Miss., died Friday, July 18, 2008, after a fatal automobile accident.
Tommy was born on January 14, 1969 in Charlotte, N.C. The son of Phyllis Drake Martin and Gilbert Thomas Tom Drake. He moved to Asheville and was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church, Children of the American Confederacy and American Revolution. He attended Asheville High School and after, en tered the United States Navy, serving in Special Ops with honor and distinction for 17 years. Tommy leaves behind his loving wife, Jennifer Curry Drake; son, Jakob Clue Drake, of Vancleave, Miss. Tommy is survived by his mother, Phyllis Drake Martin; stepfather, Wes Martin; and two brothers, Damon and Justin, all of Rock Hill, S.C.; and his grandmother, Maxine Jenkins. Tommy is also survived by his father, Gilbert Thomas Drake; stepmother, Sheila Drake; and sister, Ashley Drake, all of Asheville; and his grandmother, Ileana Drake. He will be dearly missed by all of his aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and countless friends and business associates. In addition, Tommy was preceded in death by his maternal grandparent, Jake Jenkins; and paternal grandparent, Ellie Thomas Drake, Jr.
One of Tommy's greatest gifts to those who knew him was to adapt to a calling to serve others. The love he gave was always a comfort that will remain in the hearts of his family and friends forever.
The funeral service was at St. John's United Methodist Church, in Rock Hill, S.C. on July 23, 2008.
Memorials may be made to Jakob Drake Education Fund c/o Phyllis Martin 1336 Bowater Rd. Rockhill S.C. 29732.
Published: 2008-07-25