William E Drake

William Ernest (Bill) Drake, 95 of Mt. Olive, Alabama went home to his Heavenly Father on May 23,2026. Bill was preceded in death by his parents William Oscar and Eva Drake and his wife of 69 years, Kathleen Drake.

Bill is survived by his children: Brad Drake (Linda), Gwen Sanders (Don), Lawanna Hand (Doug), Kealon Drake (Laura Leigh), grandchildren: Adam Drake, Matt Drake, Joshua Sanders (Mary Margaret), Stephen Sanders, Eric Hand (Kathleen), Travis Hand (Aqsa), Julie Pressley (Jojuan), Elizabeth Anne Hines (Jared), Kealon Drake, Jr. (Maggie), Dalton Drake: great grandchildren: Kayden and Hallie Sanders, Weston, Georgia, and Drake Hines, Sophia Drake and special friend, Iris Bates.

Bill was born on February 26, 1931, in Collinsville, Alabama to William Oscar and Eva (Massey) Drake. He met his future wife, Kathleen (Allen) Drake at Collinsville High School, and they married on October 21, 1950. He loved to tell people that he didn’t ever talk on a phone for the first 19 years of his life because they didn’t own one. He and Kathleen were faithful and dedicated members of GracePoint Church (formerly Mt. Olive United Methodist Church) for many years.

After high school, Bill joined the USMC and served from 1952-1954. He shipped out just as the Korean War ended and was sent to Japan. After the Marines, Bill worked for 10 years for the Alabama Gas Department and then went on to work 34 years for the Birmingham Board of Education as Maintenance Supervisor for the Birmingham city schools.

Bill enjoyed repairing any kind of appliance. He was a “Jack of all trades” and had his electrical, plumbing and HVAC licenses. He ended each workday after supper by going to make repairs for anyone who asked. Many times, he provided his work for free and only charged for the parts. But he knew how to barter and trade!

Bill enjoyed reminiscing about events and people from his past. He also loved to travel across the US and spent time working at his beach house in Panama City. In his latter days, he loved to give away gold dollars to everyone he met and helped many people in need. He was also the king of all dad jokes! He was loved and will be sorely missed.

Service will be held on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at GracePoint Church on Mt. Olive Road with visitation beginning at 10:00am, and funeral services following at 11:00am. Burial will take place at Oakwood Memorial Gardens following all services.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to GracePoint Church in Mt. Olive.