Harvey Leon Drake

Harvey Leon Drake was born on March 28, 1940, in Portsmouth, VA to the late Prime Leroy Drake and Ruth May Harper. He was affectionately called Johnnie by his friends and family. Harvey was an I.C. Norcom High School graduate (Portsmouth, VA). After high school, he enlisted in the United States Army. He enjoyed a successful 24 years, military career, retiring as a Sergeant 1st Class E-7. After retiring from the Army, Harvey worked with the United States Postal Service as a Letter Carrier and retired after 18 years of service. After leaving the postal service, Harvey became a security officer at the Norfolk Yacht and Country Club and later retired in March of 2020. As a child, Harvey accepted Christ into his heart and grew up attending St. John Baptist in Church, Portsmouth, VA. He rededicated his life in 2018. Harvey was described by many as a strong, yet quiet and reserved person with wit and dedication always to his family and his profession. We all know how he loved his Dallas Cowboys. Left to honor Harvey’s memory are his loving wife of 36 years, Verlene Deberry Drake, his 3 children, Pamela D. Thompson (Dayne), Nadine D. Hunter, Brian Jamar Campbell Sr.; 5 grandchildren, Charmae Drake, Wesley Drake (Jazmine), Brian J. Campbell Jr., Gabriella E. Campbell, Isabella M. Campbell. Greatly mourning his death are his loving and devoted sisters, Ruth Edwards of Bloomfield, New Jersey and Patricia D. Lathan of Virginia Beach, VA, his brother Carlton Drake (Paula), Virginia Beach, VA. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Prime Leroy Drake Jr. Harvey is further survived by several nephews and nieces, special friends Mr. Barnes and Ms. Alice Champ and a host of relatives and friends. Harvey’s life was a testament to love, kindness, and unwavering devotion to family. His warm spirit and generous heart touched the lives of many, leaving an indelible mark on all who knew him. As we remember Harvey “Johnnie”, we celebrate a life well-lived, filled with cherished moments and lasting memories. Harvey will be deeply missed but forever remembered in the hearts of those who loved him.

Harvey Leon Drake

March 28, 1940 - June 19, 2024