James Edward Drake Jr.

Eddy Drake, 65, of New Bern, NC, passed away on December 12, 2017 after a courageous battle with cancer. He left this world surrounded by family. He is preceded in death by his father, James Edward Drake (Sambo). He is survived by his wife Bonnie Drake of New Bern, NC, son, Jed Drake, wife Renee, and grandson, Weston of Rolesville, NC, daughter, Carrie Ipock, husband Derrick, and granddaughter, Bayleigh of New Bern, NC, mother, Barbara Drake of Rocky Mount, NC, brothers Tommy Drake and wife Jan of Raleigh, NC, Stephen Drake and wife Sharon of Rocky Mount, NC, sister, Suzanne Parham and husband Brad of Rocky Mount, NC, and six nieces and nephews.

Born in Rocky Mount, NC, Eddy graduated from Rocky Mount Senior High School, and is a U.S. Navy Veteran. New Bern, NC has been Eddy’s beloved home for many years. His second home was the Eastern Carolina Yacht Club where he was a member for 30 years. This is where he lived out some of his life passions: boating, fishing, storytelling, and beer drinking with buddies.

His favorite place on earth was Ocracoke Island where his family has a house overlooking the Pamlico Sound. While here, Eddy could often be found in a rocking chair, with a guitar, admiring the view of the water.

Eddy’s life calling was teaching music and some of his greatest joys came from seeing young students experience the joys of music. He taught music classes at The Epiphany School of Global Studies as well as private guitar lessons. Eddy cared deeply for his Epiphany family and loved all of his former students.

Eddy was a husband, son, brother, father, captain, and friend to all. He will be missed greatly by all that knew him.

A service and celebration of life will be held at the Eastern Carolina Yacht Club at 4005 Trent Pines Dr. New Bern, NC on Friday December 15th at 3:30 PM with reception and family visitation immediately following.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Eddy Drake’s memory to The Epiphany School Open Door Scholarship fund. http://www.epiphanyglobalschool.org/page.cfm?p=1969

Arrangements by Cotten Funeral Home & Crematory