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.
