Richard S. Drake

Richard S. Drake, age 64, of Fayetteville, died at home on Sunday, March 3, 2019. Richard was born in Liverpool, England on May 15, 1954 to Stanley and Audrey Drake. He was preceded in death by his father TSgt. Stanley Drake, Jr. USAF, retired. His military career allowed Richard to travel throughout Europe and parts of the United States as an "Air Force brat". He wrote that Vermont and Germany were his favorite places, but settled in Fayetteville, Arkansas in 1974. It was in Fayetteville that Richard found his wife, Tracy Reeves-Cutaia. A Dallas transplant, Tracy's dance troupe DanScape Movement Theatre captured his imagination. Richard accompanied her to Toronto where Tracy delivered the keynote address and a workshop about her choreography for a differently-abled dance troupe. They continued their life journey side by side. Richard will continue to be known across the region for his dedication and many contributions to the Fayetteville Public Access Television Station. He was writer/editor for the Ozark Gazette and writer/blogger of Street Jazz carried by the Northwest Arkansas Democratic Gazette. Richard used wit and sarcasm to address political issues and difficult topics. Always an advocate for freedom of speech, he recorded widely diverse programs and interviewed countless individuals providing opportunities for people to tell their story, present their cause, and connect to the community. He will be greatly missed. Richard is survived by his wife, Tracy Reeves-Cutaia; his mother Audrey Drake of Fayetteville; sisters, Maryanne Drake Harbit of South Carolina and Janet Oxford of Fayetteville; numerous nieces and nephews; and three beloved dogs Zakita, Shiloh and Ash. Memorial Service will be held 3 p.m. Saturday March 16, 2019, hosted by Fayetteville Public Television at 101 W Rock Street in Fayetteville and will broadcast live on FPTV with a reception to follow. To sign online guest book visit www.mooresfuneralchapel.com.