Farris Wayne Drake

Mr. Farris Wayne Drake went home to be with the Lord on Sunday morning, 3^rd Sept. after 72 years of life. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Barbara Sipe Drake; son, Joshua (Vicki); daughter, Alicia (Joshua); five grandchildren (John, George, Cora, Leo, and Isobel); and sister, Brenda Drake Haley.

Wayne was born in Nashville as the youngest child of Hershal Farris and Deliliah Mae Drake. He grew up in East Nashville and as a young boy was an enterprising entrepreneur, managing a group of paper boys and a landscaping business. His first adult job was with Sealtest Milk, following after his father who was also a delivery driver. After several career changes, Wayne found his life’s work in insurance, first as a salesman, then as a manager, then an Internal Auditor, and finally as a director of Internal auditing for American General Life Insurance (laterally AIG). As a director, he managed a team of auditors covering a large region of US business, preserving business integrity in regional branches all across the US. Under his management, his team of auditors discovered several large criminal organizations which were brought to light and prosecuted, leading to a fairer and more compliant industry.

Wayne’s lifelong involvement in church music began in his home. His father was a music minister and sang with Wayne’s uncles in a quartet. Wayne followed in his father’s footsteps and also sang in a quartet. He sang with his sisters at family reunions and passed on his love of music to his children and their children. He was a faithful member of First Baptist Church, where he contributed to the choir until his illness prohibited him from doing so.

He cultivated several hobbies in the various seasons of life, including golf, fitness, and cycling. He volunteered for many years as a court appointed advocate for children. He enjoyed deep relationships with long- term friends and business colleagues. His friends and colleagues will remember him for his rich laugh and warm sense of humor, along with his generosity and efficient business leadership. His family will remember his loyalty and steadfastness, even in a face of a long and debilitating illness. In 2015, he was diagnosed with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy and ultimately succumbed to complications associated with it. His family grieve this tragic loss, but are grateful for the hope they have in Christ, whose redemptive work has removed death’s sting.

Wayne is preceded in death by his parents, Hershal and Deliliah Drake; and sister, Shirley Drake Dishman.

Services will be held at 2pm, Sunday, September 10^th in the chapel of Cole and Garrett Funeral Home. Family will receive friends from 1pm-2pm prior to the service.