Johnnie Lee Drake

Johnnie Lee Drake was born on March 3, 1953 to Lillie Mae Drake Williams
and Johnny Lasket in Baxley, Georgia. Johnnie attended school in the Appling
County School System. On June 16, 1965 he was baptized at First African
Missionary Baptist Church. Johnnie started working his first job at the young
age of 15 at Jacks Fertilizer Company and Lynns Wholesale Candy Factory in
Baxley, Georgia. In his early twenties Johnnie played in a traveling band
called "Big T and the Up-setters." Johnnie was the bands trumpet player.
On August 23, 1972 Johnnie married the love of his life, Charlotte Drake.
They was married for 50 years. Johnnie was a dedicated employee at lnterfor
for 32 years, retiring in 2013. He also volunteered with the Appling County
Sheriff’s Department, C. M. Brown Funeral Home, and the Appling County
Rescue Department. After retirement, he worked part-time at Down 2 Earth.
In the late 1980's Johnnie joined First African Missionary Baptist Church
and was ordained as a Deacon. He served as a very faithful member and
deacon, participated in many fundraising events, and was on the Culinary
Committee in the church. Johnnie also joined and fellowshipped with
Thankful New Jersey Missionary Baptist Church. One of his favorite chapters
in the bible was Psalm 23.
Johnnie had many hobbies which included playing gospel music, fishing,
tractor pulls, and watching football. He also enjoyed various projects such as
fixing and rebuilding trucks and boats, making fishing lead, and selling scrap
metal. He worked with the flea market business on the weekends. He was very
fond of all 10 of his German Shepherd’s. Johnnie loved meeting people and he
never met a stranger. He was a loving, caring, and compassionate person and
an active community member.
Johnnie departed this life on October 6, 2022. He was preceded in death by
his father Johnny Lasket; mother, Lillie Mae Drake Williams; two
grandchildren, Justice Drake and Charles Edward Drake; five sisters, Willie
Jean Troupe, Elinda Goethia, Lawanza Goethia, Linda Jackson, and Debora
Jones; one brother, Gennies Goethia; one sister-in-law, Joanna Owens; and
one brother-in-law, Anthony Clark.
Johnnie leaves behind his loving wife of 50 years, Charlotte Drake; Four
Children: Charlene Robinson (Michael), Leon Drake, Sabrina Drake, and
Michael Bray Harris (Laura); Eleven Grandchildren: Montrelle Williams,
Kanisha Drake, Johnnie Drake, Kaleya Drake, Jaden Drake, Phallon Drake,
Gregory Snowden, Jacob Harris, Mariela Harris, Michael Harris Jr., and John
Harris; One Brother, Henry Leonard Goethia (Gladys); Two Sisters: Glenda
Drake and Linda Kay Clark; Two Goddaughters: Ashley Dasher and Tyonna
Simmons; Six Sisters-in-law: Debbie Cameron (Craig), Nancy Franklin
(Charles), Bertha Williams, Patricia Bray, Lisa Bray, and Sheila Bray; A Very
Special Friend, Troy Jerrideau, and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.