William Drake, Jr.

William Ernest Drake, Jr., 81, passed away on Sunday, October 19, 2025, at Sanctuary Hospice in Tupelo. Born on January 26, 1944, he was the son of William Ernest, Sr. and Annie Elizabeth Cartledge Drake. He was a graduate of Aberdeen High School, and Itawamba Junior College. Prior to his retirement, he worked many years for JBHM Architects in Columbus as a construction administrator. In 1986, he married the former Margaret Taylor. Hard working and determined, he ran a paper route in his early years to pay for his first scooter and from then on, he developed a great passion for motorcycles whether riding or working on them. He enjoyed attending motorcycle races and he continued to ride well into his 70’s. He was a member of First Christian Church in Aberdeen.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, at Tisdale-Lann Memorial Funeral Home in Aberdeen with Minister David Snyder officiating. Burial will follow in the Oddfellows Rest Cemetery.

In addition to his wife 39 years, Margaret Drake, he is survived by three sons, William Drake (Suk), David Drake (Christy), and James Drake all of Nettleton; daughter, Christina Drake, Deltona, FL; his step children, Russell Ostrowski (Beth), Saltillo, Stanley Ostrowski (Melissa), Aberdeen, and Ginger Ostrowski, Aberdeen; 8 grandchildren; and 6 great grandchildren.

Preceding him in death are his parents; granddaughter, Desiree Ruiz; and brother-in-law, Danny Taylor.

Pallbearers will be Chris Rausch, Will Drake, Luke Ostrowski, Stan Ostrowski, Jess May, and Colton Wages. Honorary pallbearers will be David Houston, Roy Lee Pruett, and Tommy Cole.

Visitation will be on Wednesday afternoon from 1 p.m. until the service hour at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to Sanctuary Hospice, Tupelo or to the First Christian Church, Aberdeen.

Condolences may be shared with the family at tisdalelannmemorialfh.com