Vernell Richard Drake

MR. VERNELL RICHARD DRAKE, 57 of MT. GILEAD, NC , passed away Tuesday, October 5, 2021 at Atrium Health / Main Charlotte, NC.

Vernell was born on Friday, January 31, 1964, to Lena Mae Drake Garrison and the late Thurley Smith, in Montgomery County, North Carolina.

He attended the public schools of Montgomery County and played football at West Montgomery High School #30. Vernell was a comedian, always making others laugh and never met a stranger.  Other than football, Vernell enjoyed scary movies and cooking with his frequent request to "just taste it."

He was preceded in death by his father, Thurley Smith; grandmother, Octavia Drake and aunts and uncles.

Those left to cherish loving memories to his children, Rhonda Drake and Treasure Drake; mother, Lena Mae Garrison; brother, Rodney Garrison (Tawanda); sisters, LeQuita Garrison and Renita Garrison-Mathews (Rev. Charles), aunts, and  a host of cousins, other relatives and friends.