News Summary
The Jacksonville community comes together to honor the memory of William Alvin Drake, known as ‘Billy,’ who passed away at 82. Friends and family will celebrate his life on April 9 at Restoration Church. Billy’s legacy as a loving family man and passionate sports enthusiast has left a lasting impact on many.
Jacksonville Community Comes Together to Celebrate Billy Drake’s Life
In a heartfelt show of love and support, the Jacksonville community is paying tribute to a beloved local figure, William Alvin Drake, affectionately known as “Billy”. Billy, who peacefully passed away at the age of 82 on March 30, 2025, was a father, grandfather, and a passionate sports enthusiast whose life impacted exactly how many people can only dream of. Friends and family will gather to remember him on April 9th at Restoration Church, located at 1677 Southside Blvd, Jacksonville, FL.
A Life Well-Lived
Billy was born on June 4, 1942, in the lush landscapes of Minnesota, coming from a big family as the third oldest of his siblings. He was preceded in death by his loving parents, Wallace and AnnaMarie Drake, as well as by his brothers, Thomas Drake and Brett Behnke, and his sister Virginia Casey. But, his legacy lives on through his devoted wife, Jane Walker Drake, with whom he shared a wonderful marriage for an incredible 59 years.
The couple raised three children—Daniel, Ann, and James—who, along with their spouses, Jennifer, Richard, and Natasha, continue to cherish the memories of their father. With seven grandchildren—Marcus, Matthew, Nathan, Natalie, Olivia, Gabriel, and Joshua—Billy’s family tree reflects his deep love and commitment to family. His siblings, Joan, Dan, Ellen, Claudia, Chris, John, and Michele, would also join in remembering a man fondly regarded by all.
From Minnesota to Jacksonville
Having attended Cretin High School in St. Paul, Billy’s life took him on an adventure of love and opportunity after he crossed paths with Jane through mutual friends. The couple moved to Pennsylvania for a brief period before making their way to sunny Florida in 1978, where Billy planted firm roots in the Jacksonville community.
During his career, Billy worked with several well-known companies, including American Hoist Cranes, M.D. Moody & Sons, Sears, and various golf clubs like Hyde Park Golf Club and Hidden Hills Golf & Country Club. Throughout his work life, he was cherished as a true people person, leaving a significant impact on everyone he met. Billy’s passion for sports brought him closer to the community, especially through his love for baseball and golf.
A True Sportsman
Many people around Jacksonville knew Billy for his dedication to umpiring high school baseball and recreational softball in North Florida for years. He immersed himself in the local golf scene as a committed member of the Hyde Park Men’s Association and the Jacksonville Area Golf Association (JAGA). The Hyde Park Golf Club became a second home for Billy, where he cultivated friendships that would last a lifetime. His warmth and vibrant spirit resonated with everyone at the club, making it even more special.
Remembering Billy
In addition to his numerous contributions to sports and the Jacksonville community, Billy was known for his remarkable positivity, kindness, and effortless smile. He truly loved his family, always putting them at the forefront of everything he did. The upcoming memorial service on April 9 at 1 p.m. will serve as a celebration of his life and the countless memories he created.
In lieu of flowers, family and friends are encouraged to make donations in Billy’s name to the Jacksonville Area Golf Association (JAGA) Charitable Trust, honoring the legacy of a man who has given so much to the sport and his community. Let us all come together to celebrate an extraordinary man who touched so many lives, ensuring that his spirit lives on in our hearts.
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Additional Resources
- Dignity Memorial: William Drake
- Legacy: Willie Burney Memorial
- Jacksonville.com: Obituaries
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Obituary
- Google Search: Jacksonville Community Tribute
Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER
JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
