Tom Drake

Candler - Gilbert Thomas Tom Drake, 62, of 4 Dixie Lane, went to be with the Lord on Friday, December 11, 2015 at his home. A native of Tampa, FL, he was owner & operator of the Tom Drake Insurance Agency, Drake Sound and Light and Dixie Music Store where he served in training, sales, installation, and all related music needs. He was active in the Reid Memorial Recreation Center, was a former member of the Asheville-West Rotary Club, and Asheville Jaycees, and was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church. He was a professional musician who enjoyed playing on the road with numerous bands including The OKaysions, but loved returning to Charlotte and Asheville to play at home. Mr. Drake was a son of Ileana Gilbert Drake of Winston-Salem and the late Ellie Thomas Tom Drake, Jr. who died in 1988. He was also preceded in death by his son, Ellie Thomas Tommy Drake, III. Surviving in addition to his mother are his wife whom he married February 10, 1982, Sheila Caudle Drake of the home; daughter, Ashley Nicole Drake Ray and husband Jason of Candler; daughter-in-law, Jennifer Drake and grandson, Jakob both of Vancleave, MS; sister, Sherold Drake Hollingsworth and husband Jerry; brother, Larry Craig Drake and wife Lynn all of Winston-Salem; 4 nephews, and 10 great nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at 4 PM Monday, December 14, 2015, at Trinity United Methodist Church, 587 Haywood Rd, with Rev. Rodney Hagans, Jr. officiating. The family will receive friends immediately following services at the church. Graveside services will be held at 12 Noon on Tuesday, December 15, 2015, at Sunset Memorial Gardens, 8901 Lawyers Rd, Mint Hill, NC with Rev. Lee Proctor officiating. Memorials may be made to CarePartners Hospice, PO Box 25338, Asheville, NC 28813, or Arthur R. Eddington Education and Career Center, 133 Livingston St, Asheville, NC 28801, or a charity of ones choice.