Wylie "Pappy" Drake

Wylie Conway Drake, Jr., affectionately known as Pappy, was born to Wylie and Marie Drake on March 22, 1961, in St. Louis, Missouri. Wylie was raised in Upper Marlboro, MD, along with his two sisters, Carol and Christy.
Pappy was educated in the Prince George's County school system. He graduated from Eleanor Roosevelt High School and attended Prince George's County Community College where he studied accounting. Pappy's first job was as a paper boy for the Evening Star. He later went on to work at Maryland National Bank and Global Express. When Pappy wasn't spending time at a cookout or cheering on his favorite sports teams-the Washington Commanders, St. Louis Cardinals, or New York Knicks-he loved spending time with family, cracking jokes, and lending a helping hand to anyone in need and even to those who didn't ask.
Pappy had many attributes. He was known as a "jack of all trades," a true neighborhood legend who could fix just about anything. Family and friends jokingly referred to him as the local "Triple A mechanic" and handyman. He also did landscaping-there wasn't a lawn in Westphalia that Pappy didn't cut. In fact, the neighborhood affectionately nicknamed him the "Mayor of Westphalia." He was also known for his work in home improvement; judging by the paint stains on every outfit, you'd think he never clocked out. His daughters lovingly called him a "wannabe comedian" for his corny jokes and often referred to him as their "personal GPS," for his incredible sense of direction and vast knowledge of every road in the country (literally). Much of this, no doubt, stemmed from the many road trips he took in his younger years to visit family in St. Louis, Missouri.
Like his father, Pappy had an extraordinary mind-he could talk passionately about everything from A-Z. He had a nickname for everybody he met. He loved eating just about anything, but nothing beat his favorite-chocolate-covered peanuts from the Amish Market. Above all, Pappy was a devoted and loving (in his own way) father to Elena, Ashley, and Halle – and how could you forget about a man's best friend (also known as his grand puppy), Pablo.
Wylie transitioned peacefully home on May 18, 2025, to join his father, Wylie Drake, and his nephew, Christopher Drake. The "boy band" is back together again-sharing joy, laughter, and harmony beyond this life.
Wylie leaves to cherish his memory, his mother Marie Drake; his daughters, Elena Jane Mulligan, Ashley Marie Drake, and Halle Marguerite Drake; his grandchildren, Antonio, Miles Wylie and Rafael Sanchez; his sisters, Carol Ann Proctor (Melvin) and Christy Drake-Mauney (Scottie); and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.