Dateline: Greenville, NC

Burtis "Gene" Drake, 80 of B Stokes Rd., died Wednesday, February 3, 2021 at Vidant Medical Center.

Mr. Drake was born on October 6, 1940 in Pitt County to the late Wilber "Duck" Ronald and Addie "Lizzie" Vandiford Drake. On December 24, 1966 he married the love of his life, Millie Terry Drake. Gene was a painting and wallpaper contractor, attended Chapmans Community Church and Calvary Temple PHC. After his retirement he helped his wife with Millie's Gifts and Antiques in Greenville from 1999 until 2016 and operated the Upper Room-Gospel Sing in Vanceboro. Gene served in the National Guard. He was preceded in death by brothers, Pete and Marvin Drake and sisters, Ruby Dunn and Frances White.

Gene leaves behind a special family, Charles and Amanda Vandiford and their son, Luke, whom Gene referred to as his grandson. He loved his Bell Forks Hardee's friends and his musicians, singers, friends, and family at The Upper Room Sing. Singing for the lord was what Gene really enjoyed.

Survivors include his wife, Millie Terry Drake of the home; daughter, Amanda Jean Drake Mayo and husband Tracey of Blackjack; sisters Helen Lane of Hopewell, VA, Lou Harris of Ayden and Faye Trotman (James) of Greenville; Grand Cat Sailor Pearl.

Graveside funeral services with military honors will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday, February 6, 2021 at the Bowen Family Cemetery, 5449 Ormondsville Rd., Ayden, NC with Rev. Timothy Creel officiating.

The family will receive friends following the service at the cemetery and other times at the home. Masks and social distancing are required. The body will lie in state from 10:00 AM till 4:00 PM today at Walker Funeral Home for public viewing.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be forwarded to Walker Funeral Home, 414 N. Haughton St. Williamston, NC 27892

Online condolences may be directed to www.walkerfh.net

Walker Funeral Home of Williamston is serving the Drake family