Raymond C. Drake was called home to be with his Heavenly Father on Friday, January 26, 2024. Raymond was born in Buna, TX to the late, Julius C. and Minnie Ola Drake.
Raymond was the oldest and had 4 siblings, sisters, Louise and Nell, brothers, Curtis and Travis. Growing up on the family farm is where his love of the outdoors began. His favorite activities growing up were hunting and fishing. Although he loved to be out in the woods, around a pond, or on a lake, he also excelled in school, and was quite the athlete. Being raised in a Christian household is where he learned to love Christ, be a “giver” to all, and always strive to be a good person.
Upon graduating from Buna High School, Raymond joined the U.S. Marine Corps to serve his country. As a Marine, their motto “Semper Fidelis” meaning “always faithful” and “always loyal” was a trait he believed in, practiced, and carried with him for his entire life.
After serving his country, Raymond attended Sam Houston State University. It was these years when he met Patsy, the true love of his life, and their incredible love story began. Early on they knew what they wanted, and how they wanted their life to play out. And so it began, marriage, careers, children, life together with a family. His love, commitment, and dedication to his family was strong and mighty. In those years he worked long hours, but always found time for his wife and children. If he wasn’t watching his oldest son, Ray, play drums in the high school marching band, or his daughter Kimberly perform in the drill team or dance in a recital, he was in the woods or on a lake with his youngest son, Garrett. The family spent many weekends at Sam Rayburn, where Raymond taught his children and their friends, to water ski, catch fish, cook hot dogs over a campfire, and how to have fun. His home and his heart were always open, all welcome.
Raymond enjoyed his career at Firestone Chemical Plant in Orange, Texas. However, when his first grandchild, Skyler was born, the countdown to retirement was on. Most mornings you could find those two at the Waffle House, many afternoons were spent at the beach, but one thing for sure is you would find them together. The tradition continued when Colton was born. Wasn’t long and Drake was a new blessing. Raymond kept the roads hot, with the four-wheeler in tow going back in forth between Winnie and Katy. Each grandchild had their own name for Raymond, “Gramps”, “PeePaw” & Papaw. And each grandchild shared their own special bond. Recently he was blessed with his first great grandchild, Landry, who he loved to share his love of John Deer with. His fondest times were when he and his wife had everyone at “The Farm” in Nacogdoches.
During the retirement years, if Raymond wasn’t with his grandchildren, he was with the love of his life, Patsy traveling. They had so many wonderful friends and travel experiences. One group enjoyed trips with their travel trailers, one group enjoyed cruises, and some were hunting buddies.
It is impossible to summarize a great man who was 89 plus years. If you were blessed to be Raymond’s family or friend, you knew he was always there to lend a hand, listen, loan, joke, fix, love, care, share, do for you, lift you up and love you like there is no tomorrow. Rest in Peace our ROCK, you will be missed.
Raymond's life will be celebrated through two events. First, a visitation will be held at Melancon~Levingston Funeral Home in Nederland, Texas on Tuesday evening, January 30, 2024 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Then with the funeral service on Wednesday morning, January 31, 2024 also at the funeral home with burial to follow at Sunset Memorial Park in Nacogdoches, Texas at 3:00 p.m.