He was the Bishop in Cullman when I joined the church.  He agreed to perform my wedding ceremony and then I moved away and didn't see him anymore for decades.  I ran into him one day at the Birmingham Temple.  I told him who I was and he remembered me...simply amazing.  What a sweet & genuine man.  My condolences to his family.

Charles Drake has had such a profound impact on my life and the lives of my siblings that it is extremely difficult to put feelings into words.  I always admired and revered him and considered him a father figure.  He took me to a daddy-daughter activity when I was little, and I never forgot it. He taught life lessons in simple and concise ways and exemplified what a man and father should be.   I have visited Cullman and Vinemont a few times in the last 20 years, and the highlights were always having a little time with Charles Drake. I just loved him so much.  The world is dimmer without him, and he will be sorely missed.  My love and condolences to the family, whom I love as well.  How blessed you were to have him as your dad!

Mr. Drake and Mrs Drake were special to my son David Brannon.  They were.so active with Shane and all his friends. Gaylene was such a wonderful cook and Dave loved everything she put on the table. Dave would say” Shane has been my best friend since third grade.” We loved the Drake family……..praying for the  Family.             

What a wonderful man! I went to school with Carrieanne, and Mr. Drake would come speak to our classes in elementary school on all sorts of topics—history, science, literature, art, music, and more. He was such an intelligent and interesting man, and he was also extremely kind and humble. I always loved hearing what Mr. Drake had to say and teach us, and I hope he knew what an impact he had on us kids. I am so sorry for your family’s loss! 

David Drake, Roger Dyer and Lantry Brandon.
Charles Drake Scoutmaster, Troop 335..


Charles Drake was arguably the best friend I ever had. From the time of our family's arrival in Alabama in June of 972, he and Gayleen sought ways to help us get by.  Gayleen contacted her sister-in-law, Sue, who helped me get a job. Gayleen drove us all over Vinemont helping us search for a place to live.  In years to come, we would be given clothes, dental care, and other help our family needed, usually without our asking. In frustration, he said to me once, " Will you please ask me for help so I can HELP you?"  Charles joined with law enforcement and literally put his life on the line when my ex-husband nearly found us.  He was a model scout leader and an affectionate fatherly example to my children.  Enough cannot be said about the man Charles Drake was and is.  I believe he will and should be long remembered in Cullman and Vinemont history.  He will always hold a special place in our hearts.

He was so dear to me as he was to all of us. His  adventures & vivid stories could of kept us in conversation for hrs.  His easy demeanor & sly smile;  what a rock he was for our family.  I will dearly miss him & his memory will rest in my heart always till we sit & chat one day again. 

Love you Papa Drake! I’m so thankful that you were able to seal Angela and I for time and eternity. 

I will always remember Charles Drake with the utmost joy and gratitude for all the hard work he has done. It was evident he gave his whole heart in everything he did. 

So sorry to hear,,,,   Such a kind, dignified, knowledgeable and all around outstanding person. A great pillar and patron of the Vinemont community.  God's Blessings on a wonderful family and may the Lords perpetual light Shine upon him.   ----  The Randy Hasenbein Family

Bishops of the Cullman Ward - 
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 

Charles, Ellen, Cindy and Paul enjoyed voyage together in 2019 on The General Jackson Riverboat at Nashville, Tennessee.

Visitation

Funeral Service

Interment

David Drake

Alane Fraser

Kuenn Drake (Cyndy)

Shane Drake (Emily)

Kayleigh Drake

Carrieanne Drake Walker

Nicholas Fraser (Verena)

Jacob Fraser (Bethany)

OBITUARY

Charles Franklin Drake

February 2, 1933 – January 11, 2023

Moss Service Funeral Home

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Updates

Services