William T. “Bill” Drake, 79, of Hendersonville, NC passed peacefully into the arms of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ Saturday, March 19, 2022 at Pardee Hospital after a lengthy battle with Multiple Myeloma surrounded by family.
Bill was a native and lifelong resident of Henderson County.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Louia Brevard and Mary Gladys Drake and his mother-in-law, Elizabeth O. Leslie.
Through the years he served his community as County Commissioner for 12 years, from 1978 to 1990. He received The Order of The Long Leaf Pine by Governor James B. Martin on November 21st, 1990. He was the Business Owner of Leslie’s Grocery from 1966 to 1980 and the owner of B & B Guns, coins and collectables from 1992 to 2005. He was the chair of the Deacons of West Hendersonville Baptist Church. Bill loved God, family and his church, West Hendersonville Baptist Church where he was a life time member. Bill was an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting and fishing and spending time with his family on the Davidson River. The last few years he had by his side, his favorite four legged companion, Sue.
Bill is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Barbara R. Drake of Hendersonville; a daughter, Jennifer Drake of Hendersonville; granddaughters, Brittany Maybin and Kayla Brezillac (Jon) all of Hendersonville. His special pal “Little Man”. He is also survived by a son, William Jeff Drake and family. A sister, Betty Balson and a brother, Herbert Drake.
The family will receive friends Sunday, March 27th from 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM at West Hendersonville Baptist Church. A funeral service will follow at 2:30 PM with Rev. Jerry Mullinax officiating. Interment will follow at Oakdale Cemetery. The family will be at the home of Kayla and Jon Brezillac.
The family wishes to express their gratitude to the Intensive Care Unit Staff of Pardee Hospital and a special Thank You to the following doctors who provided care to Bill during his journey from 2009 till the end, Dr. Dan Veazey, Dr. Medina, Dr. Anthony, Dr. Eisenhauer, Dr. Yeung, Dr. Little, Dr. Vargo, Dr. Trichon and Dr. Burton.