Every morning, he can be seen walking from McNair Street up Main Street to purchase a Daily News paper to read. I look forward to the times that I have seen him on his daily walk. Still, whether we speak or not, our friendship will endure. I am talking about my good friend Lee Drake. Nicknamed Burger! (I will share that story at a later date).

We always share memories of our youth and tell stories where the names are not fictional but real. Names like Don Gray, Mike Gray, Joe Stalls, Phil Edwards, Ross Boyer, Billy Darrow and Tommy Langley. The older we both get, the bigger the stories get, and the better we were. I have said that any story worth telling twice is worth listening to. Well, if this is true, Burger and I share a common bond.

Lee was raised on 13th Street across from Julian Dudley and Jena Gurganus. His dad managed The White Store on Main Street, and his mom made the best sandwiches in our neighborhood. Mothers back then always made sandwiches for the kids after a sandlot baseball game. Moms kept plenty of bread in the kitchen and would invite us in for sandwiches and Lee’s mom was no exception. We were always welcome in her home.

Lee’s best friends were Tommy Langley and Phil Edwards. Phil grew up in our neighborhood on 14th Street, and we all played high school baseball together. On any given trip, Burger would hold court in the back of the activity bus. He knew every collegiate and professional athlete by name and could mimic Howard Cosell as Mr. Cosell announced the games. He kept everyone in stitches and made long trips seem shorter.

Lee was a first! His advertising for Lee Chevrolet was a first in the television market in our area. “All roads lead to Lee Chevrolet!” He traveled across eastern North Carolina and met people from all areas and none have forgotten him. He is called upon in the east to perform and emcee many events and is an instant hit.

Lee’s forte growing up was his ability to get along with all people. I have never met anyone who did not love Lee Drake. He used this strength as a car salesman and was highly successful in that arena until his retirement.

If you see him walking on Main Street or wherever, please blow your horn, and I promise, he will return the wave and give you that patented Lee Drake smile that is known all over the east. Like I said earlier, we do not see one another as much as we wish, but we remain the best of friends, and I always will cherish that friendship! Love you, buddy!

They were the best of times with the best of friends and in the best of places, Washington, NC!

— Harold Jr.

Harold Robinson Jr. is a native of Washington.