Thomas David Drake, Sr.

Mr. Thomas ‘David’ Drake, Sr., 69, of Sam Paul Road, Elberton, passed away peacefully on Monday, October 5, 2026, at Piedmont Athens Regional Hospital, with his wife of 37 years, Margie Nell Crane Parr Drake, by his side.

David was born in Elberton on August 3, 1957, son of the late Clark Edward Drake and Lizzie Mae Scott Drake. He served in the Georgia Army National Guard and was a member of Antioch Baptist Church. Having worked in the construction industry during his younger years, David later worked in the garden center at Walmart of Gainesville and retired from Kroger in Jefferson.

He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing. David loved cheering on the UGA Bulldogs during football season.

Surviving, in addition to his wife Margie, are his children: Tara Brianne Drake Thigpen and her husband Ernie of Elberton and Thomas David Drake, Jr. and his wife Debra of Elberton; sister, Joanne Pierce of Elberton; grandchildren: Christopher Thigpen and his wife Destiny, Jasper Thigpen and his wife Summer, Adrian Drake, Colton Thigpen, and Isabella Pless; great-grandchildren: Carter Thigpen and Selene Thigpen; and a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

Along with his parents, he is preceded in death by his daughter, Tricia Joy Drake Pless; step-son, Jessie Freeman Parr; two infant grandchildren; and siblings: Sara Jane Moore, James Randall “Boone” Drake, Laura Diane Plont, and an infant sister.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, October 7, from 10:00a.m. until 10:45a.m. at Berry Funeral Home. Funeral services will follow at 11:00a.m. in the funeral home chapel. Graveside services will be at 1:00p.m. at Riverside Baptist Church cemetery in Mayesville.

Those wishing may sign the online guestbook at berryfh.com.

Berry Funeral Home & Crematory of Elberton is respectfully in charge of arrangements for Mr. Thomas ‘David’ Drake, Sr.