Obituary of Billy Joe Drake

Billy Joe Drake left us on April 19, 2022, at the age of 65. Preceded in death by his parents Audrey Wright and William J. “Bill” Drake, and brother Charles Loy “Chuck” Drake. Survived by wife Jeannie Murphy Drake, daughters Mandy Kay Martinez and Toni Jo Drake, brother Gary Dean Drake, five grandchildren, two great grandchildren, other relatives, and friends. Born in Noel MO, Billy graduated from Seneca High School in 1974. He moved to Tulsa to work for Tulsa Fin Tube, moving quickly into management as a young newcomer, then he accepted the position of Plant Engineer at Anchor Glass in Henryetta OK staying for the next 16 years. In 1987, he earned an Associate’s Degree in Electrical Engineering. During his tenure at Jim Norton Toyota in 2001, he was the top salesperson every month. With wife Jeannie and her sister, Glenda Bigbie, the three founded Murphy Sanitary Supply in 2002 and built a successful janitorial supply distribution business. The business was sold and Billy retired December 1, 2021. Billy loved his daughters Mandy Kay and Toni Jo and supported them throughout their early years. He married Jeannie in 2002 and made a life filled with joy for the two of them. He enjoyed airplanes and was a pilot. As a member of the Tulsa Glue Dobbers Model Airplane Club, he built and flew model airplanes in competition, receiving many trophies and awards. Billy and Jeannie liked to have a lot of fun when they were away from the business with motorcycles, Sea Doo, Ski Boat, Pontoon Boat and finally discovered camping and golf were their two favorite things to do. Once retired, with weather permitting, Billy played golf at Meadowbrook Country Club every day. On his last round with Jeannie, he shot an 88. Visitation with family and friends Sunday, April 24, 4-6pm at Ninde Brookside Funeral Home, 3841 South Peoria in Tulsa. Graveside service 10:30 am Monday, April 25, at Southwest City Cemetery followed by a Celebration of Life at 11:30 am at the Full Gospel Church, 612 South Main, Southwest City, MO. Lunch will be served in the Life Center adjacent to the Church. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Full Gospel Church, 612 South Main, Southwest City, MO. Ninde Brookside, 918-742-5556, www.ninde.com