Mr. Billy Drake

Mr. Billy Drake, age 87 of Bemidji, Minnesota, formerly of Locust Grove, Georgia passed away December 20, 2019. He was born in Atlanta, Georgia, one of eight children, to the late Clarence and Belle Cowan Drake. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 48 years, Betty Anne LeGuin Drake in 2001, a daughter, Donna Elaine Drake in 2018 and by siblings, Leroy, Clarence, Johnny and Jean. He graduated from McDonough High School, where he played both baseball and basketball. He was "Mr. McDonough High School" his senior year. Billy was drafted by a minor league affiliate of the New York Yankees but enlisted in the Navy instead. Billy faithfully served his country as a Corpsman in the United States Navy on the front lines during the Korean War attached to a Marine unit until being moved to a mobile hospital unit. Billy and Betty Anne were high school sweethearts and married in 1953. They lived in McDonough for many years, where they were active members at McDonough United Methodist Church, where Billy was a lay leader. He went on many lay missions and taught Sunday school for years. They moved to Locust Grove in 1995, where he was a member of New Hope United Methodist Church, where he also taught Sunday school and led many initiatives and committees. Billy worked for the Draper Corporation, Batesville Casket Company as a regional distribution manager, and as a manufacturer's representative for Southland Casket Company until his retirement. After retirement, he worked part time at Haisten Funeral Home in McDonough for 15 years. Billy was a member of the McDonough Lions Club and was an avid sports fan. He loved the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets and the Atlanta Braves. If there was a baseball game to be watched, he'd be watching it! After retirement, he enjoyed traveling and visiting his daughter in Minnesota. Everyone says he was the kindest man they ever met. He was an integral part of his four granddaughter's lives. He was always surrounded by women - three daughters and four granddaughters! Survivors include his daughters and sons in law, Anne Marie Clark and her husband, Terry of Jackson and Susan Drake Jarvis and her husband, Eddie of Bemidji, MN; granddaughters, Maggie Clark, Grace Edge, Jessica and Paul Shoemaker and Katie and Jeff Hashbarger; great grandson, Walker Jeffery, who is almost three; siblings, Tommy and Jan Drake of Macon, Bobby and Diane Drake of Jackson and Laurie Scoggins of Lawrenceville; several nieces and nephews. A visitation will be held Saturday, December 28, 2019 from 5:00 - 7:00 PM at the funeral home. Funeral services will be held Sunday, December 29, 2019 - 2:00 PM in the Haisten Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow at New Hope United Methodist Church Cemetery.