Celebrating the life of
Julius Theodore Drake
May 11, 1912 - November 08, 2007
Julius T. Drake
SAVANNAH - Julius T. Drake, known as "Pop" to generations of Boy Scouts from Savannah, Georgia, died peacefully Thursday, November 8, 2007, at Savannah Commons. He was 95.
Drake was a lifelong member of the Coastal Empire Boy Scouts of America and earned the rank of Eagle Scout in 1932. He served for many years as the Scoutmaster of Troop 16 at Blessed Sacrament Church where his Scouts learned about leadership and service. He was presented with the Silver Beaver Award for Distinguished Service in 1948.
In 1953 he led a contingent of Scouts across the country by train to attend the National Jamboree at Irvine Ranch, California.
A charter member of the Tomo Chi-Chi Lodge 119 he was awarded the Vigil Honor in 1950 and was presented with the Founder's Award in 1982.
He served for many years as a director at Boy Scout Camp Strachan and Camp Blue Heron and had the privilege of participating in the inaugural years at both camps.
A World War II veteran, Drake served in the 86th Signal Company where he attained the rank of First Sergeant. He held assignments in Austria, Germany and the Philippines. He was awarded the Bronze Star for meritorious service. For many years he was an active member of the 86th Blackhawk Division Association.
Drake retired as office manager for the City of Savannah Treasurer’s Office in 1977 after thirty-two years of service.
He received numerous awards and tributes from civic organizations for his service to mankind and was recognized with the St. George Award for service to Roman Catholic Youth.
He was predeceased by his parents, Evangeline Masters and Claude Drake and his brothers and sisters.
He leaves to carry on his legacy of service his "foster" sons and scouting brothers, nieces and nephews, surviving World War II buddies and their spouses, friends and neighbors from his long life.
Visitation: 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Friday at Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be said at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church.
Interment will follow in the Greenwich Section of Bonaventure Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers memorial gifts may be made to the Coastal Empire Council, Boy Scouts of America, P.O. Box 60007, Savannah, GA 31420-0007 or Friends of Julius, c/o Savannah Community Foundation, Inc., 7393 Hodgson Memorial Dr., Suite 204, Savannah, GA 31406.
Please sign our on-line guestbook at www.foxandweeks.com.
Julius Drake was a great scout leader and a wonderful friend. He will be missed by all.
- Mac McLean, Greenville, SC
Pops was my mentor growing up through Boy Scouts...he was on my Eagle Board of Review and spoke at my Eagle ceremony. He will be missed very much by me as well as everyone I was in Boy Scouts with.
- Jason Ronberg, Savannah, GA
Outside my family, Julius Drake was the most lasting influence on my understanding of life and faith during the mid 50s as a Scout in Troop 16 and a student at BSS. I recently returned to Coastal Georgia after 40 years of global business. Julius's taught me how be 'better prepared' to accept every challenge as an opportunity. God bless him. He is where he belongs- an Eagle amongst Angels'.
- John Carbonell, St Simons Island, GA
Pop was an inspiration to us all. I know that I am a better father, person, and scout leader because of the knowledge he shared with me. Our conversations were few, but was full of many things I use to this day. His smile, wisdom and good nature will be missed. We all have benefited by his presence in our lives. Rest now Pops, we will attempt to carry on. Richard Daiss, Sr. Asst. Scoutmaster Troop 295 Guyton
- Richard Daiss , Sr., Faulkville, GA
Pop, you were a great inspiration to this young Scoutmaster. Forever will your dedication to Scouting and the boy's lives you have touched live on. Rest in Peace Pop. Troop 461 will surely miss you.
- Jim Williams, Midway, GA
We've been out of town and received the news by phone... Our thoughts and prayers go to Pops family and the thousands of lives he touched.. Memories we have of moments spent with him will most certainly help guide us as we do our best to follow the paths he laid out and those yet ahead of us. He will forever be remembered.
- Cherie Gresham, Meldrim, GA
A shining example of how much we can accomplish when we pledge our honor to do our best. I will deeply miss and always remember the best example of a life well lived that I, or any boy could have asked for. He was a father to many boys, a leader to many men and a friend to all. I sincerely hope Saint Peter and the angels enjoy campfire singing! Larry Bouchea Eagle Scout 1975
- Larry Bouchea, Jackson, MS
Fellow Eagle Scout and Scout Camp counselor. He taught us all about scouting and life and now leads us to the next jamboree. He made the difference in many lives, not only in Savannah, Isle of Hope, but around the world.
- Sam B. Bruce, Gilbert, SC
Deepest Sympathies, Mary Frances Masters Robertson
- Mary Frances Masters Robertson, Savannah, GA
Don, We just heard of your loss and want you to know we share your sadness. Maxine & Bill
- Maxine & Bill Pinson, Savannah, GA
A great friend of scouting will be missed. i will never forget you Pops. may the great spirit in the sky bewith you until we meet again. chuck
- chuck edens, savannah, GA
I will miss Julius. I remember him for his service & attitude of doing ones best. He would fuss any of us if he thought that we were not doing our best and he would give what he could to those who only tried. He woried about the direction and changes to Scouting. It is up to all of us to deliver the promise to boys as he tried to deliver himself. Julius taught me to try to think out of the box. During WWII, his unit was put somewhere that was muddy and told his is your new HQ. Julius and his tent made did not complane about the Mud that they we going to setup their tent in. People would come to him and complain. Julius just quietly built a fire and dried out the ground. This is why he was a Sargent. I can not attend because I am taking my troop to a Klondike Derby in NC. I know that I go with his blessing. He would never forgive me if I did not think of the boys first. I know that Julius going to see the Great Scoutmaster. Julius's SM will be glad to see him go home.
- Bill Charters, Augusta, GA
There were four men that shaped my early life and I try to pattern my adult life based on their influences. My dad, my grandfather, my scout master, Mervyn Rice, and Pops. There may be no one in the Coastal Empire that can remember Scouting without Juilus. He will be missed and can never be replaced.One day, however, we will be camping together again with the Great Scout Master. See you then Juilus.
- Sammy Strode, Savannah, GA
Pop Drake was a wonderful man who touched the lives of both boy scouts and their adult leaders. He was an excellent role model, and I am very fortunate to have met him. I will never forget him, and I don't think anybody who's had the opportunity to meet him will. Rest in peace, Pop.
- James A. Medler II, Dahlonega, GA
Thank you for all your service you will be missed. Scout Master Troop 691 Crew Advisor Effingham Fire and Rescue Crew 691
- Norman Munthe, Guyton, GA
Our deepest condolences. Pop made a difference here. This can not be said of many men today. Thousands of boys gained from him. This world will miss a great man but the Lord gets a real gentleman.
- Porter Morgan, Rincon, GA
Pop - It was such an honor to have the privilege to know you. You were a true leader to all of us and an inspiration to carry on the tradition of service in Boy Scouting.
- Jack Sheahan, Savannah, GA
Pops was a role model for so many young men in Scouting. His dedication and inspiring words at each Eagle ceremony will always be dear to those young men and their families. He will be greatly missed.
- Pride and Linda Sheahan, , GA
Pop' Julius T. Drake, what a great man, what a great example he set for generations of scouts. I was in Troop 36 from 1964 to 1968, I remember Pop at Camp Strachan every summer. He was always welcomed at any troops campfire in the Coastal Empire. God Bless Pop, heaven is lucky to have you.
- Bobby Sandlin, Savannah, GA
Well done Pops,You served all of our sons and scouts with honor,yes you will be missed but I know now you are with Baden Powell and boy you have a lot to say. You have taught a lot of young men in your time here and one was my son Chris ,you saw that they earned the Eagle Rank and they all will remember your help,God Bless you Pops.
- Max Harper Pack 24, savannah, GA
You made a difference!
- Lanny Rhodes, Savannah, GA
Julius 'Pop' Drake loved every scout that he ever met. He was loved by just about everyone that I know in return. Yes, he poked fun at people at times, but you knew that he cared for you. He was full of wisdom, especially in regards to scouting. This wisdom came from his dedication to scouts and scouting and his long experience with it. He was, after all, commonly referred to by me since I was a boy scout myself 35 years ago - 'The oldest man in Scouting'. I could probably change that now, maybe 'The best man in Scouting'. 'Pop' lived up to his knickname - He was a father to all of us in Scouting. I'm glad that our troop got to visit him just a few short weeks ago... God Bless you Julius 'Pop' Drake and Thanks for all the memories. Jamie Anderson, SM Troop 88
- Jamie Anderson, Savannah, GA
Scouting never stops, from the time you get up in the morning to the time you go to bed at night.' That little bit of wisdom came from Julius and Preacher Holt around a campfire during Scoutmaster's Training. I have never forgotten that and have used that as an inspiration over my years in Scouting. The man is gone, but his legacy will live on in the generations of Scouts and Scouters he came in contact with.
- Paul H. Lester, Savannah, GA
Once an Eagle Scout, always an Eagle Scout.' Those were the words that Pops shared with me and countless others, but more importantly they were words that he truly lived by. I was fortunate to have him serve on my Eagle Board of Review, but I'll always remember how much fun he brought to summer camp at Camp Blue Heron. From mail calls where anything resembling feminine handwriting would get you extra attention to uniform checks and Pops just being Pops. His legacy is alive and well in the thousands of men and boys who got to know him.
- Chris Harper, Fort Collins, CO
Pop, thank you for wonderful memories, great one liners and the privledge of knowing you here on earth, rest peacefully you've earned it.
- Don Poe, , GA
Scouting has lost a man who truely represented the all the laws of Scouting that Lord Baden-Powell set out for our young men to learn from. How blessed we all are for having known 'Pops'.
- Jimmy and Martha Heath, Hinesville, GA
Pop Drake was my fathers best friend and Scoutmaster at Blessed Sacrament. Pop awarded The Eagle Badge to my father John J. Kelly Jr.RIP, myself, & my nephew. Truely a great man with total dedication. As a tear runs down my face, I will always love and never forget 'The Oldest Boy Scout' I have ever known. Rest in Peace my friend.
- Michael J. Kelly, Brooklet, GA
From the current Tomo Chi-Chi Lodge chief: I would like to express my gratitude to the legacy of service that Pops left us. He will be missed.
- Bryan White, Statesboro, GA
We'll miss you Pop. While a member of Tomo-chi-chi in 1958-59 I learned from Pop and laughed with him. He made is all feel special. Ken Davis
- Kenneth P. Davis, Alexandria, VA
We're here, because we're here, because we're here, because we're here, we're here, because we're here, because we're here, because we're here. God knows we are all 'better' because you were here.I love you Pop. Thanks for the song.
- Ronnie Phillips, Rincon, GA
I became an Eagle Scout in 1970. Inspired by 'Pops'. I later served as a Scoutmaster for nearly 10 years, and remain active in Scouting today, on the Executive Council in my area, and on the Eagle Board of Review. I will CONTINUE.... largely because of 'Pops'! Maybe one day just ONE kid will remember me like THOUSANDS remember 'Pops'. I will always love him for both who and what he was. God bless him!!!
- Alan Carter, Douglas, GA
Be prepared' in this way; to live happy and die happy. Stick to your Scout Promise always -- even after you have ceased to be a boy -- and God will help you do it. Baden-Powell
- submitted by Alan Carter, Douglas, GA
Will miss you Pops. I always knew that you would be there for help, counseling, answering questions, and arguing if you thought I needed it. I bet you are up there with Baden-Powell, Dan Beard and all the others explaining to them how it should have been done.
- Lil Shurtleff, Hinesville, GA
Scouting has lost a great legend and true dedicated Scouter. Pop was a man who told it like it was and was not afraid to say it where and when. He was in the program for the boys. We lost a dear friend who was very good to us in our final days serving Savannah. We wish our health would permit attending services. Our thoughts are with his family.
- Toni & Lee Spence, Simpsonville, SC
Scouting has lost the man, Julius Pop Drake, but we will never forget Pop and will always be reminded of his dedication to Scouting, and why we do what we do; 'we do it for the boys'. He is better now! YIS Bill
- Bill Johnston, Richmond Hill, GA
Julius Drake was a great scout leader and a wonderful friend. He will be missed by all.
- Mac McLean, Greenville, SC
Pops was my mentor growing up through Boy Scouts...he was on my Eagle Board of Review and spoke at my Eagle ceremony. He will be missed very much by me as well as everyone I was in Boy Scouts with.
- Jason Ronberg, Savannah, GA
Outside my family, Julius Drake was the most lasting influence on my understanding of life and faith during the mid 50s as a Scout in Troop 16 and a student at BSS. I recently returned to Coastal Georgia after 40 years of global business. Julius's taught me how be 'better prepared' to accept every challenge as an opportunity. God bless him. He is where he belongs- an Eagle amongst Angels'.
- John Carbonell, St Simons Island, GA
Pop was an inspiration to us all. I know that I am a better father, person, and scout leader because of the knowledge he shared with me. Our conversations were few, but was full of many things I use to this day. His smile, wisdom and good nature will be missed. We all have benefited by his presence in our lives. Rest now Pops, we will attempt to carry on. Richard Daiss, Sr. Asst. Scoutmaster Troop 295 Guyton
- Richard Daiss , Sr., Faulkville, GA
Pop, you were a great inspiration to this young Scoutmaster. Forever will your dedication to Scouting and the boy's lives you have touched live on. Rest in Peace Pop. Troop 461 will surely miss you.
- Jim Williams, Midway, GA
We've been out of town and received the news by phone... Our thoughts and prayers go to Pops family and the thousands of lives he touched.. Memories we have of moments spent with him will most certainly help guide us as we do our best to follow the paths he laid out and those yet ahead of us. He will forever be remembered.
- Cherie Gresham, Meldrim, GA
A shining example of how much we can accomplish when we pledge our honor to do our best. I will deeply miss and always remember the best example of a life well lived that I, or any boy could have asked for. He was a father to many boys, a leader to many men and a friend to all. I sincerely hope Saint Peter and the angels enjoy campfire singing! Larry Bouchea Eagle Scout 1975
- Larry Bouchea, Jackson, MS
Fellow Eagle Scout and Scout Camp counselor. He taught us all about scouting and life and now leads us to the next jamboree. He made the difference in many lives, not only in Savannah, Isle of Hope, but around the world.
- Sam B. Bruce, Gilbert, SC
Deepest Sympathies, Mary Frances Masters Robertson
- Mary Frances Masters Robertson, Savannah, GA
Don, We just heard of your loss and want you to know we share your sadness. Maxine & Bill
- Maxine & Bill Pinson, Savannah, GA
A great friend of scouting will be missed. i will never forget you Pops. may the great spirit in the sky bewith you until we meet again. chuck
- chuck edens, savannah, GA
I will miss Julius. I remember him for his service & attitude of doing ones best. He would fuss any of us if he thought that we were not doing our best and he would give what he could to those who only tried. He woried about the direction and changes to Scouting. It is up to all of us to deliver the promise to boys as he tried to deliver himself. Julius taught me to try to think out of the box. During WWII, his unit was put somewhere that was muddy and told his is your new HQ. Julius and his tent made did not complane about the Mud that they we going to setup their tent in. People would come to him and complain. Julius just quietly built a fire and dried out the ground. This is why he was a Sargent. I can not attend because I am taking my troop to a Klondike Derby in NC. I know that I go with his blessing. He would never forgive me if I did not think of the boys first. I know that Julius going to see the Great Scoutmaster. Julius's SM will be glad to see him go home.
- Bill Charters, Augusta, GA
There were four men that shaped my early life and I try to pattern my adult life based on their influences. My dad, my grandfather, my scout master, Mervyn Rice, and Pops. There may be no one in the Coastal Empire that can remember Scouting without Juilus. He will be missed and can never be replaced.One day, however, we will be camping together again with the Great Scout Master. See you then Juilus.
- Sammy Strode, Savannah, GA
Pop Drake was a wonderful man who touched the lives of both boy scouts and their adult leaders. He was an excellent role model, and I am very fortunate to have met him. I will never forget him, and I don't think anybody who's had the opportunity to meet him will. Rest in peace, Pop.
- James A. Medler II, Dahlonega, GA
Thank you for all your service you will be missed. Scout Master Troop 691 Crew Advisor Effingham Fire and Rescue Crew 691
- Norman Munthe, Guyton, GA
Our deepest condolences. Pop made a difference here. This can not be said of many men today. Thousands of boys gained from him. This world will miss a great man but the Lord gets a real gentleman.
- Porter Morgan, Rincon, GA
Pop - It was such an honor to have the privilege to know you. You were a true leader to all of us and an inspiration to carry on the tradition of service in Boy Scouting.
- Jack Sheahan, Savannah, GA
Pops was a role model for so many young men in Scouting. His dedication and inspiring words at each Eagle ceremony will always be dear to those young men and their families. He will be greatly missed.
- Pride and Linda Sheahan, , GA
Pop' Julius T. Drake, what a great man, what a great example he set for generations of scouts. I was in Troop 36 from 1964 to 1968, I remember Pop at Camp Strachan every summer. He was always welcomed at any troops campfire in the Coastal Empire. God Bless Pop, heaven is lucky to have you.
- Bobby Sandlin, Savannah, GA
Well done Pops,You served all of our sons and scouts with honor,yes you will be missed but I know now you are with Baden Powell and boy you have a lot to say. You have taught a lot of young men in your time here and one was my son Chris ,you saw that they earned the Eagle Rank and they all will remember your help,God Bless you Pops.
- Max Harper Pack 24, savannah, GA
You made a difference!
- Lanny Rhodes, Savannah, GA
Julius 'Pop' Drake loved every scout that he ever met. He was loved by just about everyone that I know in return. Yes, he poked fun at people at times, but you knew that he cared for you. He was full of wisdom, especially in regards to scouting. This wisdom came from his dedication to scouts and scouting and his long experience with it. He was, after all, commonly referred to by me since I was a boy scout myself 35 years ago - 'The oldest man in Scouting'. I could probably change that now, maybe 'The best man in Scouting'. 'Pop' lived up to his knickname - He was a father to all of us in Scouting. I'm glad that our troop got to visit him just a few short weeks ago... God Bless you Julius 'Pop' Drake and Thanks for all the memories. Jamie Anderson, SM Troop 88
- Jamie Anderson, Savannah, GA
Scouting never stops, from the time you get up in the morning to the time you go to bed at night.' That little bit of wisdom came from Julius and Preacher Holt around a campfire during Scoutmaster's Training. I have never forgotten that and have used that as an inspiration over my years in Scouting. The man is gone, but his legacy will live on in the generations of Scouts and Scouters he came in contact with.
- Paul H. Lester, Savannah, GA
Once an Eagle Scout, always an Eagle Scout.' Those were the words that Pops shared with me and countless others, but more importantly they were words that he truly lived by. I was fortunate to have him serve on my Eagle Board of Review, but I'll always remember how much fun he brought to summer camp at Camp Blue Heron. From mail calls where anything resembling feminine handwriting would get you extra attention to uniform checks and Pops just being Pops. His legacy is alive and well in the thousands of men and boys who got to know him.
- Chris Harper, Fort Collins, CO
Pop, thank you for wonderful memories, great one liners and the privledge of knowing you here on earth, rest peacefully you've earned it.
- Don Poe, , GA
Scouting has lost a man who truely represented the all the laws of Scouting that Lord Baden-Powell set out for our young men to learn from. How blessed we all are for having known 'Pops'.
- Jimmy and Martha Heath, Hinesville, GA
Pop Drake was my fathers best friend and Scoutmaster at Blessed Sacrament. Pop awarded The Eagle Badge to my father John J. Kelly Jr.RIP, myself, & my nephew. Truely a great man with total dedication. As a tear runs down my face, I will always love and never forget 'The Oldest Boy Scout' I have ever known. Rest in Peace my friend.
- Michael J. Kelly, Brooklet, GA
From the current Tomo Chi-Chi Lodge chief: I would like to express my gratitude to the legacy of service that Pops left us. He will be missed.
- Bryan White, Statesboro, GA
We'll miss you Pop. While a member of Tomo-chi-chi in 1958-59 I learned from Pop and laughed with him. He made is all feel special. Ken Davis
- Kenneth P. Davis, Alexandria, VA
We're here, because we're here, because we're here, because we're here, we're here, because we're here, because we're here, because we're here. God knows we are all 'better' because you were here.I love you Pop. Thanks for the song.
- Ronnie Phillips, Rincon, GA
I became an Eagle Scout in 1970. Inspired by 'Pops'. I later served as a Scoutmaster for nearly 10 years, and remain active in Scouting today, on the Executive Council in my area, and on the Eagle Board of Review. I will CONTINUE.... largely because of 'Pops'! Maybe one day just ONE kid will remember me like THOUSANDS remember 'Pops'. I will always love him for both who and what he was. God bless him!!!
- Alan Carter, Douglas, GA
Be prepared' in this way; to live happy and die happy. Stick to your Scout Promise always -- even after you have ceased to be a boy -- and God will help you do it. Baden-Powell
- submitted by Alan Carter, Douglas, GA
Will miss you Pops. I always knew that you would be there for help, counseling, answering questions, and arguing if you thought I needed it. I bet you are up there with Baden-Powell, Dan Beard and all the others explaining to them how it should have been done.
- Lil Shurtleff, Hinesville, GA
Scouting has lost a great legend and true dedicated Scouter. Pop was a man who told it like it was and was not afraid to say it where and when. He was in the program for the boys. We lost a dear friend who was very good to us in our final days serving Savannah. We wish our health would permit attending services. Our thoughts are with his family.
- Toni & Lee Spence, Simpsonville, SC
Scouting has lost the man, Julius Pop Drake, but we will never forget Pop and will always be reminded of his dedication to Scouting, and why we do what we do; 'we do it for the boys'. He is better now! YIS Bill
- Bill Johnston, Richmond Hill, GA
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
