W.T. Shumake & Daughters

August 31, 1942 - July 7, 2025

William Clyde Drake, 82, of Louisville transitioned on Monday, July 7, 2025.

Visitation 10-12 Saturday, July 19, 2025 at New Covenant Baptist Church 1190 S. 40th Street. Funeral to follow at 12pm. Burial 12:30 Monday, July 21, 2025, Kentucky Veteran Cemetery, Radcliff, KY.

William Clyde Drake was born August 31, 1942, to proud parents Rev. Earl Drake, Sr. and Bernice Thompson Drake.

At an early age, Bill, as he was affectionately called, confessed his hope in Christ, and was baptized at Ebenezer Baptist Church, in Louisville, Kentucky.
Bill's education was comprised of various avenues, ending ultimately in graduating from Lincoln Institute in Shelby County, Kentucky. After graduation, Bill enlisted into the United States Navy, where he served on board the U.S.S. America. While in the Navy, he experienced being on tour in Vietnan. After many years serving his country in the Navy, Bill honorably retired in 1985.

In 1968, Bill moved to Lexington, Kentucky, where he met Linda Clark, who in April 1969, became his wife. To this union two daughters were born, Kim and Nichole.

Bill was employed at the United States Postal Service. Come rain, sleet or shine, he was a faithful and dedicated employee, who provided an important service to the public. In 1992, Bill became a retiree from the Federal Government (U.S. Postal Service).

William was known for his love of music, and every instrument that accompanied it, from the guitar to the bongos. He even taught himself to play the trumpet. He shared his love of music with so many people. He was a member of the group Portion and Soul; and the group called the Joyful Noise. If you ever had the opportunity to hear Bill sing, you would definitely know that his singing was a gift from God. Every word he sung was from the heart, with his favorite Artist of all time being Curtis Mayfield.

William always had a song in his heart when you called him. That is something that will be missed forever. Now, we will have a song in our heart that we will sing for him.

Sadly, William Clyde Drake departed this earth on Monday, July 7, 2025. He leaves to cherish his precious memories, his daughters, Kim Lane (Sean) and Nichole Drake; one sister, Charolette Powell (Bernard); four brothers, Tyrone Handley (Ruth Ann), Earl Drake, Jr. (Jackie), Thomas I. Drake, III, and Robert Drake, Sr. (Deirdre); four grandchildren, Latifah Roberts, Courtney Drake, Boston Gregory Roberts and LaTashayonna (Thadda) Drake; six great grandchildren; and a true host of nieces, nephews, and friends.