Michael Drake passed away on April 5th, 2024 at the age of 81.

Beloved husband of Cheryl Waldrop. Loving father of Catherine (Todd) Hillyard, LeeAnne (Cary) Meyer, Lindy (Sam) Kennedy, and Amy Abbott. Proud grandfather of Lindley and Jonas Hillyard, Kathleen and Jackson Meyer, and Caleb, Zadie, and Beckett Kennedy. Great grandfather of Adeya Rice. Michael is also survived by his sisters, Brenda (Ray) Kiser and Debbie Drake (Mark), and his stepson, Mark Dyer.

His father, Rev. Dr. Charles W.  Drake, was a Baptist Minister and his mother, Bessie M. Drake, played the piano in church and taught Bible Study. Being raised in a Christian home, the Lord called on his father to travel to many churches throughout the South.

Michael graduated from Central High School in Chattanooga in 1960 and finished his schooling with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Louisville in 1982. He was commissioned a Kentucky Colonel in 1977 by the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

His long-term place of employment was Ford Motor Company as a Quality Control Manager and the position had him living in Michigan at that time. He decided to retire in 1997 at the age of 55 and head back to his Kentucky home. What he did not plan on was meeting his now wife, Cheryl, before he made the transition. They continued their relationship long distance until Michael's health issues became more apparent. With that knowledge, they made a decision to marry in July of 2019, spending their time together in both Kentucky and Michigan.

Michael was raised to be a gentleman. He was easy going, kind, caring, and he loved his family. He enjoyed traveling, gardening, reading, and playing a lot of tennis. Michael's physical strength from his tennis days benefited him at a time in need and his belief in God carried him the rest of the way.

A memorial will be held at a later time and will be announced here.

23 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.