Fred William Drake
2026
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Fred William Drake, 83, of Midlothian and Glen Allen, Virginia, passed away peacefully on April 4, 2026.
Fred was born in Memphis, Tennessee in 1942 to Richard and Evelyn Drake. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Dick.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Candace; his two sons, Jason (Shannon) and Adam (Tracy); and his cherished grandchildren, Hayden and Audrey.
Fred graduated from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville with a bachelor's degree in engineering. He began his career as a mechanical engineer with International Harvester in Memphis. In 1978, Fred and his family moved to Midlothian, Virginia to continue his career with Reynolds Metals. He later served as Facilities Manager for Henrico County, retiring in 2012.
In retirement, Fred devoted his time to training his loyal dog, Watkins, in agility and therapy work. Together, they brought comfort and joy to residents of nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and hospitals for over a decade. They also visited libraries, where children practiced reading aloud to Watkins, fostering confidence and a love of learning.
Fred was also an accomplished bridge player who enjoyed both the challenge of the game and the camaraderie it brought.
He will be remembered for his intelligence, kindness, compassion, and above all else, his dry wit.
A celebration of life will be scheduled for a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to animal rescue organizations of your choice.
Fred was born in Memphis, Tennessee in 1942 to Richard and Evelyn Drake. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Dick.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Candace; his two sons, Jason (Shannon) and Adam (Tracy); and his cherished grandchildren, Hayden and Audrey.
Fred graduated from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville with a bachelor's degree in engineering. He began his career as a mechanical engineer with International Harvester in Memphis. In 1978, Fred and his family moved to Midlothian, Virginia to continue his career with Reynolds Metals. He later served as Facilities Manager for Henrico County, retiring in 2012.
In retirement, Fred devoted his time to training his loyal dog, Watkins, in agility and therapy work. Together, they brought comfort and joy to residents of nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and hospitals for over a decade. They also visited libraries, where children practiced reading aloud to Watkins, fostering confidence and a love of learning.
Fred was also an accomplished bridge player who enjoyed both the challenge of the game and the camaraderie it brought.
He will be remembered for his intelligence, kindness, compassion, and above all else, his dry wit.
A celebration of life will be scheduled for a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to animal rescue organizations of your choice.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Fred William Drake, please visit our flower store.
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