Ralph Glenn Drake died Wednesday, June 1, 2011 at the Joyce Goldenberg Hospice Residence in Pensacola, Fla., surrounded by his wife and family.

He was born Jan. 10, 1935 in Morris, Ala., the youngest child of John William Drake and Sallie Davenport Drake. He moved to Pensacola at an early age where he attended elementary school, junior high and Pensacola High School with the class of 1953.

He joined the U.S. Navy and returned to Pensacola after being honorably discharged. He was a civilian employee at Pensacola Naval Air Station from which he retired in 1990. He also served in the Naval Reserve and retired as Senior Chief Petty Officer after 29 years of military service.

He was a member of the Warrington United Methodist Church. He also belonged to a computer club, the Central Baldwin Users Group, and The Brownsville Boys Social Club.

He was preceded in death by his parents; five brothers, Earney Lee Drake, John Emmett Drake, Charles William Drake and twins, Claude and Clyde Drake; and half-brother, Thad Farney Drake.

Survivors include his wife of 42 1/2 years, Judith Ashbaugh Drake; six children from his first marriage, Sherry Vaughn, Bonita Grohowalski, Dinah Somerville, Scott Drake, Colleen Dawson and Johnna Hardy; 17 grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, four nephews, one niece; and some of the most wonderful friends and neighbors a person would ever wish to know, and the family is deeply grateful to them.

The family wishes to thank all the staff of the Sacred Heart Cancer Center in Pensacola for the loving care and compassion, and the staff of The Joyce Goldenberg Hospice Inpatient Residence.

A memorial service was held Friday, June 3 at the Warrington United Methodist Church, Pensacola, Fla.