GREENSBORO â?? Cornelius Drake passed away on April 6, 2012. "Drake" as he was affectionately called, was born June 21, 1935 in Castialian Springs, Tennessee to the late Herman and Elizabeth Drake. He graduated from Tennessee State University where he also met and married a North Carolina beauty, Earliest Smith. After moving to North Carolina, he became a longtime employee and later a retiree of Lorillard Tobacco. He was a faithful member of Providence Baptist Church where he was a part of the Theater Guild and the Male Chorus. His fraternal affiliations include Alpha Phi Alpha, Inc. and Prince Hall Masons. He touched the lives of many and his bold and candid personality became his trademark. Mr. Drake's life will be celebrated at 12 p.m. on Wednesday, April 13, 2012 at Providence Baptist Church 1106 Tuscaloosa, Street. The family will receive friends from 11:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the church. The interment will be held at Bluestone Baptist Church cemetery in Pelham, North Carolina. Drake was preceded in death by his wife, Earliest Drake; his parents, Herman and Elizabeth Drake; and a brother, Charles Drake. He is survived by his devoted daughter, Alice Drake and her husband, Paul Patrice; sisters, Frances Malone(Richard), Cara Carver; brothers, Thomas Drake (Vicky) and George Drake,nieces, nephews, the Smith Family and a host of other relatives and friends. Memorial contributions may be made to the East White Oak Community Center, 1801 10th St. Greensboro, North Carolina 27405. Perry J. Brown Funeral Home is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.