For those who knew him there's not much you can say about him. For those who didn't he was a great guy who would do anything for anybody. A great street rodder, good friend, and most of all a God fearing/loving man. Rest in Peace and prayers for his wife Annette.
Shane,I couldn't have said it any better,,,,and the people who knew Will knows only death could keep him from talking. HRP GOD SPEED WILL
Even though we knew it was coming, it was hard to hear. I got the call about an hour after he passed. He wasn't very old, younger than many here! I knew him professionally as well as via street rod. He was always smiling and cheerful! He will be missed!
I was visiting Will at Hospice on feb.2 and didn't know that was his birthday,it was also his mother-in-laws birthday,,he turned 54. Will was really one of the nicest people and would go out of his way to help a friend or a total stranger,,, He WILL be missed. HRP
I visited with him last Friday ( Feb. 20 ) and he was weak ... real weak. But he was still in good spirits. I got the call today about 5 PM. Will Drake ... RIP
Will, was always upbeat and one of the most positive persons I know, Was great to have him as a friend and will be missed....
I met Will in the 80's when I was a NSRA State Rep. He was an outstanding person and a true friend to all. Rest in Peace my friend.
Our friend Will's funeral will be Saturday March 7. Annette request that Will's friends please drive their street rods. For more information please go to www.graymortuary.com.
Sorry to hear of Wills passing. He fought a tough battle but he always managed to stay upbeat. He will be greatly missed in the Street Rod community.
Will went with me to his first NSRA event in 1977. It was the Nats South when it was in Winston-Salem, NC. He was wide open into street rods from then on. As has already been stated Will was a truly good guy and a great friend. He was always willing to give anyone a helping hand. I have known him since he was around 8 or 9 years old. I will really miss Buddy Will.
All the guys that knew Will also knew that Will could talk the ears off a billygoat!,,,man,I'm gonna miss him! HRP
If you ever went to the NSRA Street Rod Nationals ... Saturday presentation ... you saw Will Drake. He was always involved with the Give Away vehicle presentation. I know at least two HAMBERS won the give away vehicle in the past few years. They would have dealt with Will. Will had a real nice Hot Rod RED 34 Ford 5W coupe ... that he had owned for many years. It will be in the funeral precession at his funeral. Will's wife Annette is asking for all of Will's car friends to drive their Hot Rods to the funeral.
He has won his fight,I know that he is in a much better place. He will be missed by many. Godspeed brother,Godspeed. Jay
Back to the TOP ... For Will Drake. Funeral is Saturday the 7th ... Go here ... for details www.graymortuary.com.
It was a nice sendoff for a good man. The church was full and in addition to the pastor of his home church, the NSRA Chaplin officiated as well. Will was also a member of the Williamston Fire Department and had the additional ceremonies associated with a fireman. A lot of street rods and collector vehicles showed up and ran parade-style from the church to the cemetery. Two large aerial ladder firetrucks flanked the entrance to the cemetery with the booms extended and an American flag hung between them. His casket was carried in the back of an antique Chevrolet (1931?) Firetruck that he helped restore. His own 34 5-window coupe followed that firetruck. Of course, many fire trucks were in the procession as well. After the American flag was removed from his casket, folded and given to his widow, a "last call" for firefighter #106 was heard on the radio. After the 3rd call, a fellow firefighter responded that Will had completed his assignment and requested permission to go home. The dispatcher responded that firefighter #106 could go home, and congratulations for "a job well-done". William F. Drake turned 54 on February 2.
Yeah,,,the last call,not a dry eye anywhere very powerful. Two large fire trucks parked at the entrance to the cemetary The late 30's fire truck that gave Will his last ride,, This is Will's 34 coupe,,,it was driven by fellow firefighter and close friend Phillip. Will had more friends than anyone I know and the church was overflowing with hot rodders,fireman and friends. R.I.P. Will ,,,friend and Tri-City Rod & Custom club member.,,HRP
Will Drake was one of those you hear about....would indeed do whatever it took to help you. He generously wired my first street rod for me so I could finally drive it, an it was a heap! I thought Will was gonna hit me for offering him cash! I've never forgotten that. Thanks again, Will.
Jim Rowlett the NSRA Chaplin who spoke at Will's funeral got word just after the church service that his Mother had just passed away. He did a great job at the service. When he asked for everyone to think of their Will moment I thought of Will playing minature golf at Myrtle Beach in the early eighties. It was hilarious. He was a total klutz. But as usual he had a blast!
I think that Will was instrumental in the restoration of the 35 Chevy Fire truck. Anette and the family in Toms woody was a really nice touch. Jay
Very sad, prayers are being sent to family, and friends. I would have met him if he was with the give away car presentation in 1992. I had number 1095 and that was all I heard. There was another number after the 5, for a minute I thought I was a winner. RIP fellow car guy.
Will, A Great friend... Will's life has not ended, it has just begun! Enjoy riding on the streets of Gold! God Speed Rick
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