John Berry Drake, Jr., a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully in Rome, Georgia on Thursday, January 1, 2026, at the age of 86. Born in Rome, Georgia on June 24, 1939, John was a cherished member of his community and an individual whose life was marked by passion and dedication.

John spent much of his professional life working as a inspector for General Electric where he retired from. He also worked as a carpenter, a career that he approached with both skill and enthusiasm. His craftsmanship was evident in all the work he undertook, and it was a vocation that brought him genuine joy. In addition to his work as a carpenter, John held a position at the Rome Airport, where he cultivated his love for aviation and learned to fly as a solo pilot, further showcasing his adventurous spirit. Growing up on a farm in Florida, John later moved to Buford, Georgia at the age of 13, with his family, where he graduated from Sugar Hill High School. He eventually settled in Rome, Georgia, where he met the love of his life, Sylvia. Together they embarked on a wonderful adventure filled with love, faith, and family. John was a devoted member of Sherwood Forest Baptist Church, maintaining a lifelong commitment to his faith and to his Lord and Savior. His strong values and kindness touched the lives of many and left a lasting impact on those who knew him. John’s life was a testament to hard work, love, and faith, leaving behind a profound legacy that will be celebrated by all who knew him. He will be deeply missed, and his memory will live on in the hearts of his family and friends.

John is survived by his loving wife, Sylvia Drake, of Rome, Georgia; his sons, John "Johnny" Berry (Lori) Drake of Rome, Georgia, and Daniel Lee (Lisa) Drake of Silver Creek, Georgia; and his grandchildren, Austin Drake, Logan Drake, Brady (Corrie) Drake, Kaylee Drake, Layton Drake, Olivia (Bradley) McFall, and Sophia Drake, all of whom brought him immense happiness. He is also survived by his sister, Mary Puckett, and daughter-in-law, Toni Traylor Drake, along with many other loving family members and friends who will carry on his legacy.

Preceding him in death were his parents, John Berry Drake, Sr. and Dorothy Lancaster Drake; his son, Rev. Gregory Scott Drake; and his siblings, Wallace Drake and Lilly Aycock.

Funeral Services to honor and celebrate the life of Mr. John Berry Drake, Jr. will be held on Tuesday, January 6, 2026 at 1:00 PM in The Salmon Funeral Home & Crematory Chapel with his grandson, Minister Austin Drake officiating. Mr. Drake will be laid to rest at his final resting place following the funeral service at Eastview Cemetery.

The family will receive friends for a visitation on Tuesday, January 6, 2026 from 12:00 PM until the service begins at 1:00 PM.

The staff at Salmon Funeral Home & Crematory are honored to serve and care for the family of Mr. John Berry Drake, Jr.