Richard Bouve Drake Sr (Dick),  94, formerly of Eutawville, SC and Newland, NC, passed away peacefully in Augusta, Ga on Sunday, October 1 , 2023 after an extended illness.

Dick was born on July 7, 1929, to Barbara Bouve and William Drake in Boston, MA and raised in Cohassett, MA. At the age of 7, his father unexpectedly passed away forcing Dick to get his first job delivering newspapers to help support his family. His lifelong work ethic and deep love for his family never wavered.

After graduating from the University of Massachusetts with a degree in Forestry and joining the Army (1st Lieutenant, Armor Division), Dick spent the majority of his career working for W. R. Grace and Company. In his first work assignment for W. R. Grace, Dick was relocated to Ritter, South Carolina to manage the timber at Bonnie Doone Plantation. While working there, he met the love of his life, Maner Sanders. Dick and Maner were married in Ritter in November 1954 and were blessed to have 56 years of unconditional love together.

Dick and Maner went on to have four children, eight grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

After retirement, Dick and Maner relocated to the Mountains of NC where they built their forever home in Linville Land Harbor Resort. Dick enjoyed golfing, hunting, fishing, sports and spending time with his loved ones.

Dick was predeceased in death by his parents, his brother Bill and his wife Maner. He is survived by his children: Barbara Heslip (Paul), Laurie Pirtle, Richard Drake Jr (Jill), Elizabeth Gossen (Ron); his grandchildren: Stephen Bannister (Liz), Graydon Bannister (Dillon), Collin Heslip, Caroline Pirtle (Dante), Emily Gossen, Matthew Gossen, Samantha Salley Drake, Sabrina Salley Drake; his great grandchildren: Matilda Bannister, Miles Camia, Sanders Hunter, Macy Hunter and his long time care giver Shelly Wilson and her family. The Drake family would also like to thank Hospice of Georgia and Reggie Bennett for their care and kindness during Dick's illness.

Graveside services will be held at Live Oak Cemetery in Walterboro, SC on Friday, October 27, 2023 at 1:00pm. Following the service, the family will receive guests at 105 Pelican Court Summerville, SC. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Hospice of Georgia.

Arrangements are being handled through Parker-Rhoden Funeral Home in Walterboro, SC.