Hilliard Drake

Mr. Hilliard Drake, 78 of Marietta peacefully passed away on August 13, 2012 surrounded by his loving family. Hilliard was born December 29, 1933 in Birmingham, AL to the late Elnora and Henry Drake. Before enlisting in the United States Army in 1954, Hilliard worked for his father, who was a self employed Mason. He was stationed in Germany until his early separation in 1956, remaining in the reserves until 1962. After his honorable discharge from the United States Army, Hilliard relocated with his parents to Long Island, NY. He retired from the Department of Mental Health at Pilgrim Psychiatric Center in 1989. Hilliard met his wife in 1957 while working at the Pilgrim Psychiatric Center, and they married May 7, 1959. After retirement he moved to Virginia where he lived for 12 years. In 2002 he moved to Georgia to be closer to his daughters and granddaughter. Sadly, Hilliard was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2000. Before his illness, he was always busy with a project, whether it was gardening or being a handyman, but he most enjoyed being able to help his friends and neighbors. Hilliard was always a happy man and never met a stranger. His personality still shined through in his wonderful smile during his illness. Hilliard leaves behind his wife of 53 years, Patricia Drake, daughters, Nadine and Kim Drake, granddaughter, Brittany Harris, brother, George Drake (Sheila) and sisters, Audrey Drake and Doris Bryant. A celebration of Hilliard’s life will be held on Thursday, August 16, 2012 at 2:00pm in the chapel of H.M. Patterson & Son Canton Hill. The family will receive friends from 12:00-2:00pm. In lieu of flowers, please send contributions in Hilliard’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association, 1925 Century Blvd, Ste 10, Atlanta, GA 30345, www.alz.org.