Bobby Loranzy Drake

On August 25th, 2025, Bobby Loranzy Drake was called home to be with the Lord at the age of 90. He passed away in the comfort of his own home in Gainesville, GA, surrounded by his wife of 68 years, his two children and one grandson.

Bobby was born on December 14th, 1934 in Blairsville, GA to Herman Loranzy and Maude Eller Drake. He had a brother, Bill Drake, and two sisters, Dorothy Denton and Eva Pennington. He grew up in Hiawassee, GA. After graduating high school in 1952, he moved to Atlanta where he spent 37 years working for the city, and spent 8 years in the Navy Reserve. He married his beautiful wife, Joann Davis Drake, on July 27th, 1957. They had two children, Teresa and Tim Drake. He moved his family to Flowery Branch in 1970, and then moved to Gainesville in 1994 where he lived out the rest of his days.

Bobby was a family man and a devout Christian. He was a regular attender of Chattahoochee Baptist Church in Flowery Branch, GA. Growing up, he had several hobbies and passions. He enjoyed raising and showing chickens, hunting, and fishing. He took many camping trips with family and church friends,and it was not until recently when he fell ill, that he ever missed a family reunion with distant relatives. He spent summers tending to his garden and canning fruits and vegetables. He had the heart of a giver and was always sharing the fruits of his harvest with all that were around him. He could build just about anything and found joy in creating different gadgets for him and his family.

Bobby became Papaw to 4 grandsons, Curtis (Ashley) Brown, Austin (Emilie) Brown, Reed, and Brody, and one granddaughter, Peyton (Shawn) Strickland. He had 2 great-grandsons, Colby and Connor, and two great-granddaughters, Oakley and Paisley. He loved any and every chance he got to make memories with them.

Bobby is preceded in death by his parents Herman and Maude Drake, his brother Bill, and sister Eva. He is survived by his wife Joann, children Teresa and Tim, Son-in-law Scott and Daughter-in-law Dayna, his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Services for Bobby will be held on August 29th, at 2:00pm at Memorial Park South Chapel with interment following at Memorial Park South Cemetery. Rev. Jeff Jenkins will officiate. The family will receive friends from 12:00 - 2:00pm prior to the service.