John Droke, Jr. was born March 11, 1929 in Lexington, AL the son of the late John T. Droke and Mamie O. Dean Droke. He was united in marriage to June Shelton on May 17, 1952. Mrs. Droke preceded him in death on June 18, 2017 after 65 years of marriage.
Mr. Droke was a retired United States Air Force Master Sergeant with over 20 years of honorable service. He was the recipient of many medals, ribbons, and awards. He initially served an enlistment in the United States Army beginning in 1949 serving in the 1st Infantry Division known as the "Big Red One" and trained as a Medical Corpsman. An extracurricular activity in the Army was traveling to play basketball, which he enjoyed very much. After his Army service, he reenlisted in the Air Force where he was trained in communications and ground based radar systems. His foreign military service took him to Germany, Post Occupation Germany, Korea, Vietnam, Thailand, Laos, Pakistan, Greenland, and Nova Scotia. His homeland service spanned military bases from coast to coast.
After his retirement from the military, Mr. Droke went to work at General Electric in Selmer, TN where he retired after 20 years service. He was a member of Court Avenue Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Selmer where he served as an Elder and Treasurer. He enjoyed farming in his spare time. His legacy to his children and grandchildren is one of love for God, country, and family. Mr. Droke departed this life on November 16, 2017 in Jackson, TN at the age of 88 years, 8 months, and 5 days.
He is survived by twin daughters, Faye (Droke) Turner and fiance Dennis Biggs of Bethel Springs, TN, Kaye (Droke) Duncan of Bethel Springs, TN; a son, Jeff Droke and wife Cynthia of Bethel Springs, TN; nine grandchildren, SSGT Mike Blankley and wife Angie, Kim Wilson and husband Dr. Brad Wilson, LT. Brent Blankley and wife Lynn, Justin Presson and wife Lisa, Amy Conway, Kara Sloan and husband Curtiss, Jessica Droke, Sarah Droke, John Droke; eleven great grandchildren, Rylea Parker, Abigail Johnston, Lydia Tackett, Sailor Presson, Jacob Wilson, Ava Wilson, Luke Wilson, Breanna Blankley, Grayson Blankley, Shelby Crandon, Jack Blankley; two sisters, Rheba Morris of Selmer, TN, Betty Plunk of Stantonville, TN; a host of extended family and friends.
Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association.