Obituary of William Thomas Drake

Our cherished son William (Billy) Thomas Drake, 16, of Mayfield NY, and formerly of Aztec NM, passed away suddenly on the Fourth of July 2020. He was welcomed into heaven by his Father William L. Drake, grandmother Suzanne Robart, and grandfather Ronnie Waters.

Billy touched the lives of so many and his bright smiling eyes, laughter and loving heart will forever be missed by us all. His parents Laura Waters (Bo Ostrander) and Josh Waters will forever be proud of the young man he was; funny, kind, loyal, hardworking and best friend to his brothers Johnathan Drake (18), Aidan (12) and Ashton (8) Waters of Mayfield, and Ryan Drake of Farmington NM(12). He Leaves behind his loving grandparents Melissa McBride (Daniel Lightner) of Aztec N.M., Craig Rhodes of Mayfield N.Y., Albert and Stephanie Drake of S.C., Terri and Doug Pereau of AZ., and his Great Grandmother Sunnie Caddell of N.M. his Aunts: Sarah Cook, Elisha (Anthony) Ovitt, Jessica Scott, Kristina (Tyler)Drake, Trisha and Cory Waters of Farmington NM, Nicole Forsey, Savanah Radigan, and Amanda Forsey, his Uncles: Justin Rhodes Jessie (Lola) Bowman of Bloomfield NM, Craig Rhodes of Johnstown NY, Daniel Drake of Irmo SC, Darrell (Dorothy) Rhodes of Mayfield NY, Ronald Rhodes. His cousins Christian Thomas (best friend), Gabriel Lucero, Melissa Rhodes, Justin Rhodes Jr, Edward Cook, Angelique Bowman, Mia and Jessa Livingston (Courtney) of Texas, Taylor Zamora , Chance Castaneda, Cole Waters, Dillan and Kiara Rhodes, Louis Lawrence, Mason and Nikia Rhodes. His great aunt’s and uncles, Janice Drake of NM, Mary (Sam)Walker of Aztec NM, Michele (Jeanne) Forsey of St. Johnsville, Debbie Jo Funk, Andrew (Beth) Lawrence, Louis Lawrence, Suzie (Bob) Colson, and Beverly (Mike) Buley. Great grandmother Betsy Lawrence. His girlfriend Sage Gifford who was the love of his life, best friends Gavin Bowen, Corey and Taylor Proctor and many many more.

Billy loved music, hanging out with friends, kayaking, swimming, hiking, basketball and riding bikes. He had just finished his Sophomore year at Mayfield High School and played for the Jr. Varsity Basketball Team. He loved and cherished his family with the teammates and coaches. He was already planning his future and was already helping and learning carpentry with his Dad, his, uncles, Bo Ostrander and many other friends and family. Everyone who worked beside him was impressed and proud of his ethics and drive. He will forever be missed, forever be loved and will certainly never be forgotten. The family would like to send their love and appreciation for the outpouring of love and prayers from our friends and community.

A Celebration of Life will take place on Sunday, July 26, 2020 from 11a.m. until 8p.m. at the Mayfield Bannertown Fairgrounds, School Street, Mayfield, New York 12117.  Masks are required.   Billy’s cremation arrangements were entrusted to the care of Betz, Rossi, Bellinger & Stewart Family Funeral Homes.  Please visit the online memorial at www.brbsfuneral.com