Charles Drake Jr.

Charles B. Drake Jr. NORFOLK - Charles Brittain "Britt" Drake Jr., 90, passed away May 28, 2009, with close family and friends by his side. Britt, who was born May 6, 1919, was a native and lifelong resident of Norfolk. A colorful character, he was almost a fixture on Knitting Mill Creek, off the Lafayette River, where he lived on his boat for 26 years until an accident forced him to move ashore to live with his family. Britt loved the water and served in the Merchant Marines during World War II. He was president of CB Drake & Son General Contractors, and a Virginia compliance inspector, retiring in 2003. Britt was preceded in death by his wife, Jeanne Godwin Drake and their son, Stephen S. Drake. He is survived by his daughter, Susan D. Bastinelli and husband Peter of Norfolk; son, C.B. Drake III of Panama City Beach, Fla.; nine grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; his sister, Sibyl Bayne of Irvington, Va.; brother, Louis C. Drake and wife Edith of Norfolk; and his best four-legged friend, "Buddy." A celebration of Britt's life will take place Sunday, June 28, from 2 to 4 p.m. at his home. The family expresses grateful appreciation to the staff at Lake Taylor Transitional Hospital and Odyssey Hospice for their special care and kindnesses during the last months of his life. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be sent to Mid-Atlantic Teen Challenge, 9302 Warrick Blvd., Newport News, VA 23601. Coastal Cremations is in charge of arrangements.