Barry Wayne Drake

1945 - 2024

On April 3, 2024, Barry Wayne Drake traded his wheelchair for wings. He passed from a broken, crippled body into Heaven, and walked with a new, whole and complete body. He was surrounded by his family and caregivers as he stepped through the door into new life.

Barry was born on January 12, 1945, to Willie Whayne Drake and Ruby Black Drake, in Memphis, Tennessee. He met the love of his life, Angeline Drake, and they married on March 10, 1967. They had two boys; Russell Wayne, born in 1969, and David Lee, born in 1971. Barry attended East Texas Baptist University, and was called into the preaching ministry. He and Angie served in many churches, from Shreveport, Louisiana, to DeKalb, Texas, to Arkansas, to the Lake Travis area, and finally, to the Burnet area, where they settled in Lake Victor. They preached and sang for many years thereafter, serving at Lake Victor Baptist Church, First Christian in Lampasas, and Victory Baptist and First Baptist in Burnet.

Barry had a great love and talent for playing the piano and keyboard, and he and Angie traveled to many Burnet area churches, playing and singing with great joy at services and fifth Sunday singings. Their most heartfelt and passionate endeavor was for ministering to seniors, where they spent years giving their time and love to the elderly in area nursing homes. Barry was even named Chaplain at Oaks Nursing Home in Burnet.

Barry lost his eldest son, Russell, to a car wreck in April 1998. Then he lost Angie to ovarian cancer in October 2009. These losses were both devastating blows to Barry. However, he moved forward with unshakable faith in God.

In 2010, Barry reconnected with a friend he and Angie had made while ministering at the Alzheimer's Respite program at Burnet Methodist Church. Her name was Billie Marie Cobb, and on June 26, 2010, Barry and Billie Marie were married. It was a new season of healing and joy for Barry, as Billie Marie became a very bright light, and new love in his life. They spent the following fourteen years having fun and taking care of each other. They attended First Baptist in Burnet, and Lake Victor Baptist.

Barry was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Russell Drake; his first wife, Angie Drake; and great-grandson, Cameron Harbour. He is survived by his wife, Billie Marie Drake; his son, David Drake and wife, Kristy, and granddaughters, Reney Drake and Rustyn Drake. He is survived by Russell's children; step-grandson, Will Watson, and granddaughters, Taunya Drake, Angelyn Drake, and Kaylyn Dean, and their children, Barry's thirteen living great-grandchildren. Barry leaves behind his two younger sisters, Nancy Haynes and husband, Jack; and Kathy Suel and husband, Dale. He also leaves Billie Marie's children and their families; son, Johnny Young and wife, Tammy; daughter, Merrie Turberg; son, Coleman Young and wife, Melissa; and daughter, Sandra Aven and husband, Brett. He is survived by cousins, nieces, nephews, and in-laws, who all loved and adored him greatly. He leaves behind too many friends to count, who have all been so faithful and caring over the years.

Barry never met a stranger. He had a heart of gold and an attitude that never gave up. He was known for his indelible character that touched so many. We will all miss Dad's prayers that he sent up for us daily, and his "Hey Hey!" greeting that met us each time we walked in his front door. While we miss him, though, we are so happy that he has finally met his Jesus face-to-face, and reunited with Mom and Russell, and all of his family and loved ones who went on before him. He is now dancing across Heaven, without any crutches in his hands.

Barry's family will have a private burial and visitation. Condolences and memories may be shared with Clements Wilcox Funeral Home, at www.dignitymemorial.com.