Capt. Drake Batson

Phillip Drake Batson, known to most as Capt. Drake, was born in Wilmington, North Carolina, on January 31, 1963, and went to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday, August 23, 2026, surrounded by his family.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Bernice Irvin; his father, Douglas Batson; his brother, Caleb Batson; and many cherished loved ones.

He is survived by his beloved daughter, Hailey Vaughan (Patrick); his siblings, Wayne (Chelsey), Savannah, Mark (Kelly), Holly Pancratz (Jonathan), John (Chesson), Jessa Barefoot (Taylor) and Peter (Ally); a multitude of nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly; and countless friends who became like family throughout his life.

Drake fought a short but incredibly brave and relentless battle with pancreatic cancer. He faced it the same way he faced life, with toughness, grit, and determination. Even in the hardest moments, he carried himself with strength and courage, never allowing his illness to define him.

Drake was a firm believer in Jesus Christ. His family finds great comfort in knowing that while his journey here is finished, he has been welcomed home by his Savior and reunited with many lifelong friends and family members who went before him.

Drake was a man who wore many hats throughout his life. He was a welder and boilermaker by trade, a boat and fishing-pier builder and, at heart, a fisherman. Fishing wasn’t just what he did; it was who he was. Whether commercial fishing and diving, or charter fishing, he lived his life by the tides, the weather, and the rhythm of the water. He knew the sea in a way few ever do, reading it like a language. Some of his happiest days were spent on the water, doing the work he loved most.

But there was so much more to Drake than his work. He was a son, Hailey’s daddy, brother, uncle, captain, mentor and a friend. He had a way of bringing people together wherever life took him, and he never met a stranger for long. If you knew Drake, chances are you have a story about him, and probably one that will still make you laugh, shake your head or both for years to come.

Drake lived a life that was uniquely his own. He worked hard, loved the water, and loved his family and friends. He never believed life was meant to be lived too cautiously, and he certainly never lived it that way. He leaves behind stories, laughter, lessons, and memories that will be carried by the people who were lucky enough to know him.

He will be deeply missed, but never forgotten.

And for a fisherman like Capt. Drake, perhaps this isn’t goodbye.

It’s simply time to head out to sea.

Celebration of Life

A celebration of Drake’s life will be held Saturday, September 12th, beginning at 5:00pm at the American Legion Post 129, 1500 Bridge Barrier Rd, Carolina Beach, NC 28428.

Food will be served as we gather to share memories and celebrate Drake’s life together.

Afterward, family and friends are invited to gather at Bud & Joe’s in Kure Beach for a good old-fashioned toast to Drake, just the kind of send-off he would have wanted.

Come share a story, raise a glass, and celebrate a life well lived.