BILLY GENE DRAKE

We regret to announce the passing of Mr. Billy Gene Drake, age 79, of Donalsonville, GA who passed away Tuesday, December 15, 2009 at Southeast Alabama Medical Center in Dothan, AL. Funeral services will be held Friday, December 18, 2009 at 11:00 AM at Friendship United Methodist Church with Rev. Kirk Loyless officiating. Visitation will be held Thursday, December 17, 2009 from 6:00-8:00 PM at Evans-Skipper Funeral Home in Donalsonville, GA. Interment will follow at Friendship Cemetery in Donalsonville. You may sign the guest register and share your thoughts with the family by visiting our website at www.evansskipperfh.com. Mr. Drake was born on the River Road in the Fairchild area of Seminole County on November 20, 1930 to the late John Lee, Sr. and Nellie Kathleen Saunders Drake. He graduated Georgia Military College in Milledgeville. GA. He served his country in US Air Force from 1951 to 1955. He was a member of Friendship United Methodist Church, Men’s Bible Class; member of the Donalsonville Lion Club, where he was named Lion of the Year, member of the Donalsonville Country Club and Boat Club. He leaves to cherish his memory his wife of 56 years Marie Drake; daughter, Jane Gordon and her husband Ray, sons, Billy Gene “Gene” Drake, Jr.; James Lee “Jimmy” Drake and his wife Tawanna; brother Wallace Drake and his wife Joanne; sister, Doris Owen; sister-in-law Mildred Drake all of Donalsonville, GA He is also survived by grandchildren Kayla Gordon, Michael Gene Drake, Wendy D. McLeod, Jared D. Gordon and Preston Drake. He was preceded in death by his parents John Lee Drake, Sr. and Nellie Kathleen Saunders Drake; brother John Lee Drake, Jr. and a brother-in-law Hudson Owen. Casketbearers will be Joe Drake, John Drake, Greg Drake, Dr. Charles Walker, Jack Owen and Kyle McLeod. Honorary casketbearers will be the Men’s Bible Sunday School Class of Friendship United Methodist Church. Evans-Skipper Funeral Home in Donalsonville, GA is in charge of the arrangements.