Gerald “Gerry” A. Drake Jr., 74, of St. Petersburg, FL, passed away on Saturday, July 12, 2014, at the Bay Pines VA Healthcare System.
Gerry moved here from his native Petersburg, VA in 1960. He served his country in the US Army and he was the owner of ETC Bindery Systems. Gerry was a generous and honest businessman, taking great pride in his work. He was a Florida State fan, collected watches, played pinochle, scrabble and was a very good trivia player; but, he did not like to lose. He was a wonderful husband and dad, loved his grandchildren, golden retrievers and cats. He was a great cook and was well known for his holiday stuffing. He was also known for enjoying his favorite candy, Three Musketeers.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Gerald and Elizabeth. He is survived by his wife, Carole; sons, Gerry Drake and Shawn Beecher; daughter, Terri Robinson; six grandchildren and many friends.
A service with Military Honors has been scheduled for 10:45 AM on Friday, July 25, 2014, at Bay Pines National Cemetery in Bay Pines, FL.
Sorry I could not attend the service for Gerry, but my prayers and thoughts are with you on this sad day. Mary Ann Rizzotto
Hi my name is Lawrence Johnson you never met me Jerry was my biological father he had a daughter Laurie johnson,she died 7 months ago she was 63,I’m 61 I was a business man as well.im writing to let you know I have a daughter 31,and my granddaughter is 8 years old,if you like to talk to me my number is 323 453 8507.im sadden I never got to meet him while he was still with us.my sister has picture of him they say I look just like him and sound like him,this may be a little odd,a lot of my family are no longer here.my mother name Roberta Mclain.all this might be a little shocking,I was born in fortmyers,and my sister was born in st petersburg.i live in L.A California, my business was in Cindy, ohio.my sister who just past away lived in Syndney ohio.she passed away from smoking it was sad to see her go like that,just want to say if we never talk or see each other,God bless you I ur family much blessings to all of you.