Life long Swainsboro resident, Charles Henry Drake, 91 died from a heart attack on Thursday, July 23, 2020  at his home.  Born August 17, 1928, Charles was a man of many interests.  After high school graduation, he briefly attended The University of Georgia but finding it not to his  liking and wanting to get out on his own, he  decided to enlist in the Navy because he wanted to go to sea.  His parents, Charlie Alonzo Drake and Annie Matilda Drake of Swainsboro were not thrilled but eventually agreed.  At the age of 17, he headed to Macon to enlist.  He then found himself headed to basic training at the Naval Station Great Lakes in Illinois.

Charles eventually ended up at Pensacola, Florida where he worked on the flight line loading guns on planes.  He was then transferred to the Naval Air Station in Chamblee, Georgia and there he soon began to lose his Navy interest and decided to leave after two years of service.

He liked the Navy but liked Jackie Youmans better.  They were married May of 1948.  Over the years their family expanded to having sons Chris, Phil, and Alan.  In 1960 they moved to the country outside of Swainsboro where they raised their boys and eventually welcomed grandchildren and great grandchildren.  Country living brought the tending of a garden, raising animals of all types, growing and selling pine trees, and lots of fishing in their pond.

His field of work covered many varied areas;  driving a truck for the gas company, opening his own tile and flooring business, working at the post office and at Perry's Auto Auction.  His main area of skill and expertise was construction and that became his main area of employment for twenty plus years from which he retired in 1993.

One of the main joys in life was gathering with friends, especially his Jaycee friends, and it was not unusual for Jackie and him to entertain a  large gathering at their home with a fish fry, crab boil, or bbq and brunswick stew dinner.   His love of family and friends was always evident.  Their three sons gave them a quiver-full of 12 grandchildren and eventually 23 great grandchildren.  His infectious smile, laughter, hugs and  funny comments warmed and endeared many to him.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 71 years, Jackie, and his son Chris.

Graveside services will be held Monday, July 27, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. from Swainsboro City Cemetery with Rev. David Unkles officiating.  Visitation will be Sunday July 26, 2020 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Tomlinson Funeral Home.  Covid19 guidelines will be followed.