August 29,1929 - February 4, 2026
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Jasper Enid Drake, lovingly known as Coach Drake, age 96, peacefully entered into eternal rest February 4, 2026, surrounded by love, prayer and song.
Born in Castalia, NC August 29,1929 to Emelious Jasper and Pauline Boulden Drake, Enid grew up farming and developed a love of baseball, which he loved until his final days. After completing two years at Campbell College he went on to earn his bachelor's degree from Wake Forest College and a master's degree in physical education from East Carolina University. He pursued his love of baseball professionally from 1949 to 1956. He began his career as a teacher and coach in Middlesex, NC and in 1965 became the men's basketball coach at Louisburg College, a position he held until his retirement in 2006.
Enid was predeceased by his loving wife of 54 years, Merlene Hudson Drake and their daughters Debbi Drake and Robin Adams and his sister Josie Mae Drake.
Survived by his daughters Paula Smith (Ken), Cindy Spuria(Ed), Becky Allen; son Jack Drake and son-in-law Joseph Spuria and his grandchildren, Nicki, Jamie, Drake, Annie, Alex, Henry, Gabe, Nick, Anderson and Kylenn, five great grandchildren and his sister Ellene (Nene) Leonard.
He is also survived by Linda and Jerry Ritch who walked beside him with love, service and devoted care for many years.
The family extends a special thank you to Shirley Parker for being a true blessing to Coach Drake for the past 18 months.
A private burial was held and the family will announce a Celebration of Life to be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to:
The Enid Drake Endowed Scholarship
for Men's Basketball
Louisburg College
ATTN: Institutional Advancement
501 N Main St
Louisburg, NC 27549
Paid obituary