Cloyce Talmadge Drake

Cloyce Talmadge Drake, age 98, of Vinemont Alabama passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 22, 2022. Cloyce was born December 10, 1923 in Vinemont, Alabama to Johnnie and Iowa (Holmes) Drake. Cloyce is survived by daughter Renaa Hopper (Jerold); granddaughter Mandy Park (David); great granddaughter Alexa Manning Park; sister Imogene Lawrence; three sisters-in-law, Maud Nelyne Parker, Vernett Drake and Margene Manning; and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his wife of 70 years, Virginia Viola Manning; parents, Johnnie and Iowa (Holmes) Drake; brothers, Martin Drake, Boyd Drake, Atla Drake, Homer Drake, Verlon Drake, Harold Drake and Winfield Moon; sisters, Tressie Moon, Eres Smith, Theresa Wilhite, Mozelle Wilhite, and Wilda (Moon) Corley.

Growing up in a large, loving family, Cloyce developed a deep love for Jesus, family and friends. While farming with his family, Cloyce attended N. Vinemont School where he enjoyed playing basketball and music.

Cloyce proudly served with distinction in the United States Army's Company I, 320th Infantry, 35th Infantry Division during World War II. Entering basic training on January 7, 1943, Cloyce was promoted to Sergeant NCO just four short months later and was responsible for control, coordination and tactical employment of light machine gun squads. Deploying to the European front, Cloyce landed at Omaha Beach just 30 days after D-Day and performed his duties in the European Theater of Operations, bravely fighting across Europe from St. Lo France where he was awarded the Bronze Star for Heroism, to the hedgerows of Normandy, to the Battle of the Bulge and finally Berlin, Germany. Cloyce was honorably discharged in November 4, 1945, having earned the Bronze Star, Combat infantry badge M-1 Rifle and Carbine Expert, Eamet Service Medal, American Theater Service Ribbon, World War II Victory Medal and Good Conduct Medal. In later years, Cloyce enjoyed sharing his stories and educating younger generations with recounts of his time in service both at events and through interviews for print. An excellent series with details of his service, written by Christy Perry and published in The Cullman Tribune, documents these stories and may be found at https://www.cullmantribune.com/tag/cloyce-talmadge-drake/

Upon return to the United States, Cloyce married Virginia Manning and became a father to Renaa (Drake) Hopper while starting and successfully running a grade A dairy farm for 26 years. Playing the banjo and guitar, he especially loved music and even drove Renaa to Birmingham for organ lessons as a child. But, perhaps he was happiest when dancing with his beloved Virginia. Always the first to the dance floor, they danced at many events and parties around the world.

Cloyce made a bold move in 1971, transitioning from a long farming career to the motorcycle industry with Renaa and son in law, Jerold. Together, they opened D & H Cycle, Inc in Vinemont where he remained an owner for 49 years. Cloyce was a pillar in the business, befriending and treating customers like family. He and Virginia enjoyed riding motorcycles, taking short trips with local family and friends on many Friday nights.

Cloyce was a devoted husband, father and grandfather and in his later years enjoyed spending time with his great-granddaughter, going to veteran’s events and seeing family. Cloyce was a soldier, a farmer and a businessman. But most importantly, he was a good man that loved life and enjoyed the simple pleasure of spending time with family, friends and neighbors. His home and his heart were always open.

Visitation will be at Moss Funeral Home, Cullman AL on Saturday, January 29, 2022 from 1-3 PM with Funeral Service at 3PM. Military Burial will follow at Flint Creek Cemetery.