John Henry Drake was born November 10, 1956 to the parentage of Edward, Sr. and Eulalar Miller Drake in LaFayette, Alabama. John joined Friendship Baptist Church in LaFayette at an early age. Later in life, he began attending Mr. Pisgah Baptist Church of LaFayette under the leadership of Rev. Michael Stiggers, Sr.

John was educated in the Chambers County Public School System graduating from LaFayette High School in 1975. He had a passion for basketball and enjoyed playing the sport during high school.

He was preceded in death by: his father, one sister, Evanulisa Drake; and, one brother, Cecil Drake. John entered eternal rest on Tuesday, July 12, 2016 at home surrounded by family.

He leaves to cherish his memories and celebrate his legacy of joy, life and love of people: his mother, Eulalar Drake, LaFayette, AL; 14 siblings, Edward (Shieann) Drake, Jr., Atlanta, GA, George Hubert (Lilac) Drake, Atlanta, GA, Elaine (Joseph) Askew, Chattanooga, TN, Dorothy (Douglas) Avery, Lithonia, GA, Gregory (Betty) Drake, LaFayette, AL, Nelson K. Drake, Roanoke, AL; Velva Victoria (Freddie) Hicks, Atlanta, GA, Royzell Drake, Sr., LaFayette, AL, Warren Drake, LaFayette, AL, Darry (Sonya) Drake, Atlanta, GA, David Drake, LaFayette, AL, Timothy (Thressa) Drake, Wadley, AL, Yolanda Drake, Valley, AL and Parquitta D. Billingsley, LaFayette, AL; a special niece, Jaurquitta Drake, LaFayette, AL; two uncles, Charlie Frank Miller and his wife, Ocalla, FL and Eugene Morgan, Birmingham, AL; one great-aunt, Annie Lee Chislom Gaiter, LaFayette, AL; an adopted sister, Brigette Williams, LaFayette, AL; and, a host of nieces, nephews, other loving relatives and friends.