Harold Drake Doty, 89, of Statesville, N.C., passed away on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, following kidney failure. He was born on December 11, 1936, in St. Petersburg, Fla., to William Harold Doty and Muriel Margaret Doty.
Drake began his career in the automotive industry at the age of eleven, helping with odd jobs at Doty’s Garage, a family business established in 1928 and passed down from his grandfather. As a young man, he was offered both football and music scholarships, but instead chose to serve his country, joining the U.S. Air Force in 1955 as an aircraft and engine mechanic during the Korean War, including participation in Operation Deep Freeze. Following his discharge from the U.S. Air Force, he continued his automotive career by joining Goodyear Tires in a variety of roles, later working with multiple automotive operations and dealerships. Over the years, he owned his own garage and tire store and later moved into managing and co-owning franchise dealerships. He spent 30 years with TVI Market Pro (Targeted Vehicle Information) before retiring as their Executive Advisor.
In addition to his work in the automotive industry, Drake was a gifted vocalist and guitarist who performed as a musician for many years, including 12 years full-time. He led his own band, played at venues and events across the region, and was known for his love of music and his natural ability to connect with an audience.
Drake was a devoted member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks for 47 years. After transferring from the Walterboro, S.C., Elks Lodge #1988, he served as a trustee and was a familiar and active presence at the Statesville Elks Lodge #1823.
He is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Betty Sue Doty; his daughter, Debbie Dodson of Raleigh, N.C.; and his grandsons, Jordan Dodson (wife, Hannah; children, Emma and Riley), Dylan Dodson (wife, Christina; children, Finley and Roman), both of Raleigh, N.C., and Logan Dodson of Los Angeles, Calif. He is also survived by his granddaughters, Tiffany Migueltorena (husband, Cesar; children, Alyssa and Xaiden), Courtney Doty (daughter, Armani), Lacey Doty (children, Kyla Dell and Emmitt Dell), and Lindsey Doty (children, Noah Barnes and Hailey Barnes), all of Cape Coral, Fla. In addition, he is survived by extended family members, including his sister-in-law, Linda Stanley of Tampa, Fla.; and his brother-in-law, Tony Tolar and wife Debbie of LaBelle, Fla.; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, William Harold Doty and Muriel Margaret Doty; his sons, Drake Doty Jr. and Doug Doty; his brother, Ronald Stanley; and his brother-in-law, Eugene Tolar.
Friends and family are invited to attend a memorial service on Saturday, March 7 at the Statesvil,le Country Club at 2 p.m., followed by a celebration of life dinner at the Statesville Elks Lodge at 4 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his honor may be made to the Statesville Elks Lodge, P.O. Box 161, Statesville, NC 28625, or via Venmo at @Statesville-ElksLodge.
Arrangements for Drake are in the care of Troutman Funeral Home.