William Alvin Drake

June 4, 1942 – March 30, 2025

William Alvin Drake, known to friends and family as "Billy," passed away peacefully on March 30, 2025, in Jacksonville, at the age of 82.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Wallace & AnnaMarie Drake; Brothers, Thomas Drake and Brett Behnke; and sister Virginia Casey.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Jane Walker Drake; children, Daniel (Jennifer) Drake, Ann (Richard) Almond and James (Natasha) Drake; Grandchildren, Marcus Almond, Matthew Drake, Nathan Almond, Natalie Drake, Olivia Drake, Gabriel Drake, and Joshua Drake; siblings, Joan (Richard) Doolittle, Dan Drake, Ellen (Charlie) Gerstner, Claudia (Donald) Curtis, Chris (Carol) Drake, John Drake, and Michele (Dan) Richardson; as well as many other nephews, nieces, relatives and friends.

Born on June 4, 1942, in Minnesota, the 3rd oldest of his siblings. He attended Cretin High School in St. Paul. Through mutual friends, he met and married Jane Walker in June of 1966.

After a brief stint in Pennsylvania, Billy and family moved to Florida in 1978, where he quickly put down roots and became an integral part of the Jacksonville community.

He was a people person and a man of many hats. He first came to Florida with American Hoist Cranes and M.D. Moody & Sons in 1978 followed by tenures at many other places including Sears, Hyde Park Golf Club, and Hidden Hills Golf & Country Club. Regardless of where he was, he made an immense impact on those he worked with and came in contact with. He was truly a friend to all.

Billy had a passion for sports, particularly baseball and golf. He spent many years umpiring high-school baseball and recreational Softball around North Florida. He truly called them like he saw them, on the diamond and off. He was heavily involved for decades with many local golf organizations, but particularly the Hyde Park Men’s Association and JAGA, both of which he was extremely honored and proud to be part of.

He spent most of his golfing life at Hyde Park, both as employee and patron. It was quite literally a second home to him and anyone will tell you it’s hard to think of Hyde Park without thinking of Billy Drake. His legacy there will live on through the countless forever-friendships made on the greens and in the clubhouse.

Billy's greatest love however was his family. No doubt they were truly the center of his world. Jane was the love of his life and his world revolved around her. Nothing brought him more joy than the presence and laughter of his kids and grandkids. He will be remembered by all of us for his kindness, his positivity, his candor, his effortless smile and his love.

A memorial service will be held in his honor on April 9th @ 1 p.m. at Restoration Church: 1677 Southside Blvd, Jacksonville FL, 32216

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Billys name to the Jacksonville Area Golf Association (JAGA) Charitable Trust:

JAGA Charitable Trust 130 Corridor Rd, Unit 525 Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32004