Reuben Londell Drake Jr.

And hold him, the Lord did—from the cotton fields of Kiblah, Arkansas, to the piano benches of sanctuaries across the South. Born to Reuben and Elnora James Warner Drake in 1942, Reuben Jr. was three years old when his earthly father passed away, but his Heavenly Father stepped in and never left his side.

He now joins his beloved parents and siblings in glory: Eurene Warner Legardye, Charles Warner, James Warner, and Irene Warner Evans.

Reuben gave his life to the Lord at a young age. On Sunday, July 4, 1954, at College Hill Missionary Baptist Church during Sunday School, he gave the pastor his hand and God his heart. From that day forward, his soul belonged to the Lord. His membership at College Hill remained steadfast until his journey's end.

Reuben graduated from Booker T. Washington High School, earned a degree from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, and received a master's from East Texas State University. For more than 30 years, he served as a teacher, shaping young minds in science and shaping lives in D-Hall with memorable phrases from students like: “Sit your mule down,” “If you don’t stop, you’re gonna get your mule out of here,” and “Science is common horse sense.”

Reuben bloomed into manhood and, true to the poem above, he began tending his own beautiful garden over time. The garden began with Paul Drake. Through his first marriage grew Kristin Drake. When he married Hannah Drake, the garden expanded to Robin, Roderick (Terrell), and Rachael Drake. Then a surprise sprout emerged, Vickie Lacy (his beloved goddaughter,) who fit seamlessly among the others. Each with their unique fragrance.

The Master Gardener knew exactly what to plant for the next generation to bloom. Destiny Drake, Chantel Dedon, Ahmaud Drake, Ahmir Drake, and Caleb Jeffries are left to sow the beauty and strength of his garden.

Reuben never met a stranger, and if he didn’t know you, he’d find someone you both knew—a cousin, a teacher, a pastor—just to build a bridge.

Reuben sang and played at countless funerals and was often asked “If you outlive me, will you sing at my homegoing?” His final song was played in February 2025 at St. Paul C.M.E. Church in Atlanta, Texas. A final praise offered on earth, as heaven prepared a new melody.

Reuben had a hustler’s heart and a creative mind. At age 11, he delivered newspapers on a bike and had a lawn service. At 13, he became a church musician, and from then on, he was always on the move—buying, selling, trading, and working toward something better. While in college, he launched a barbecue venture in Pine Bluff. During the '80s and '90s, he created his own line of beauty products, Mr. D’s, and sold them throughout Arkansas and Texas. Alongside this, he sold clothing, uniforms, and special occasion attire. He loved to buy old houses and remodel them. Countless hours were spent trying to add his special touch.

Reuben's music ministry extended across the Southwest. He played for numerous churches, including:

Zion and Ozan District churches, New Town Baptist Church, Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church, Cedar Hill Baptist Church, Walker Chapel C.M.E., Miles Chapel C.M.E., Hopewell C.M.E., Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church, and many more—even into Louisiana. He was often requested to play or sing at funerals, with many people asking him to sing for theirs, should he outlive them. He last tickled the ivory in February 2025 as the musician for St. Paul C.M.E. Church in Atlanta, Texas—ending his musical journey where his heart had long been, in worship.

To those who wonder how he made it through life’s storms, valleys, and mountains—Reuben would tell you it was God’s Grace. He recognized that “there was a leak in his old building,” and that his soul had to move. On August 9, 2025, Reuben said, “I Surrender All,” for he had completed the work in his garden.

The Lord sent an angel to gather his soul and bring him home. To his family and friends, he leaves this message: “This is farewell, not goodbye. I’ve gone to receive my golden crown.”