Obituary of Bernard Drake

DRAKE, Bernard Douglas, (Digger Doug) age 77, passed away January 14, 2014. He is preceded in death by parents, Alex and Mary Smith Drake. Survived by wife, Brenda Neely Drake; sister, Brenda (Victor) Ashline; brother, Ronald (Christine) Drake; two nieces; one nephew. He was born in Davidson County on September 2, 1936. The 5th generation pioneer of the Drake family. The Drake's played a key role in the exploration naming and the settlement of middle Tennessee. He served his country in the Tennessee National Guard and the U.S. Air force from 1952 - 1958. He retired from Diebold Inc. and Metro water department. Doug will be buried next to his father and mother in the family plot which was purchased in the 1830's by Henry Hollingsworth. He was the mayor of Nashville at that time. Henry was Doug's great great grandfather. Doug has spent over fifty years exploring with his metal detector and researching the history of Middle Tennessee. His wife Brenda has been at his side during thirty years of exploration and discovery of many Pioneer forts. Visitation with the family will be held in the chapel of Madison Funeral Home January 17, 2014 from 10 a.m. until noon. Graveside service will be held immediately after at Nashville City Cemetery with Reverend Jeff Darnell officiating. Active pallbearers, Steve Adams, Arthor Cook, Roger Neely, Mark Neely, Donnie Vaughn, Charles Drake, and honorary pallbearer Barry Walker. Online tributes madisonfuneralhome.net MADISON FUNERAL HOME 615-868-9020