Elantha Martin (Jimmy) Drinkard II, 88, of Old Grist Mill Road, Appomattox died Saturday, November 1, 2014, at his residence surrounded by his family. He was the loving husband of Betty Thomas Drinkard for 64 years.

Born in Appomattox County, Va., on August 19, 1926, he was a son of the late Margaret Littel and James Berkley Drinkard Sr. He was an avid community gardener and loved family, genealogy and children.

Jimmy was a member and deacon of Hollywood Baptist Church. He was a former member and deacon at New Hope Baptist Church, where he taught Sunday school from 1959 to 1992. He retired from Thomasville Furniture, was a lifetime member of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, a member of the Sons of the American Revolution and the Woodmen of the World. Jimmy served as a camp counselor for many years at the Woodman of the World camp where he was fondly known as "Speedy".

In addition to his wife, Betty he is survived by two sons, David Oscar Drinkard and Donald Lee Drinkard and wife, Paula all of Appomattox; three grandchildren, Tabitha Drinkard Gunter and husband, Nathan, Ashley Drinkard, and Eli Drinkard; four great-grandchildren, Bryce, Myah, Kirsten, and Maison; a brother, James Berkley Drinkard Jr. and his wife, Ruth of Appomattox and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by five sisters, Lula Gibson, Sarah Wayne, Elizabeth Robertson, Willa Derbin, and Marion Martin.

A funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday, November 4, 2014 in the Drinkard Family Cemetery, 1587 Trent Mill Rd., Appomattox by the Rev. Robert Phillips. The family will receive friends at the residence.

In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials be made to your favorite charity.