William Chester Drake

In Loving Memory of William Chester Drake With deep sorrow and unwavering faith in God's promises, we announce the passing of our beloved Bill who entered eternal rest on May 17th at the age of 86.

Born on November 14,1939 in Cleveland, Ohio to Chester Drake and Jean Gonso. He grew up in a tight knit family and was very close to his younger sister, Suzie Gregor. Bill devoted his life to the people he loved most. A loyal husband, loving parent, proud grandparent, and cherished great- grandparent, Bill found the greatest joy in time spent with family. Whether gathering around the dinner table, celebrating holidays, traveling with the family, or simply sharing stories and laughter, he created a home filled with warmth, love, and lasting memories. Additionally, he dedicated his life to giving back through his church, charities, and countless acts of kindness toward others.

Bill shared a loving marriage with Jean Cooke for 65 wonderful years. Together they built a family rooted in love, support, and togetherness. He was a proud parent to Debbie Vogel (Greg Vogel), Becky Mulligan (Evans Mulligan), and Scott Drake (Susan Drake), a treasured grandparent to nine grandchildren (Shane Mulligan, Danielle Vogel, Billy Drake, Jake Vogel, Shauna Thompson, Annie Vogel, Jonny Drake, Scott Mulligan and Rachel Drake), and a beloved great-grandparent to eleven great-grandchildren, each of whom brought immense joy to his life.

Bill lived the American dream. He was the first member of his family to graduate from college and move away from home in efforts towards achieving his career goals. He had an entrepreneurial spirit as a bar and delicatessen owner. With his personality and charisma, he parlayed his career into sales first with RJ Reynolds and then with Kendall Healthcare. Bill spent three decades with Kendall (which became Covidien and subsequently sold to Medtronic). During this tenure he became President of New Dimensions in Medicine and ultimately a senior executive of Covidien. He was beloved by his colleagues and known for his judgement and incredible sense of humor.

Bill enjoyed golf, reading, traveling, playing cards, going to movies, and lit up for happy hour and dinners with close friends and family. He leaves behind many cherished memories that will continue to bring comfort and smiles to those who knew him.

Though Bill is no longer with us in person, his memory will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

The family has elected to have an intimate family service at A E Carter Funeral Home, 1670 Atlanta Hwy, Madison, Georgia 30650 over Father's Day weekend, while they process the loss of their beloved patriarch. While services will be held privately, floral tributes are welcomed with gratitude or in lieu of flowers, donations in memory of William Drake may be made in support of the PHI Cardiac Surgery and Valve Research Fund at Piedmont Healthcare. Please make checks payable to: Piedmont Healthcare Foundation, PO Box 116812, Atlanta, GA 30368-6812 or donate online at give.piedmont.org/PHCF and select the fund when given the option to designate your gift.  To speak with someone about a donation, contact Steven Wagner at 404-605-4207 or Steven.Wagner@piedmont.org

"Well done, good and faithful servant." - Matthew 25:23

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