Beech Tree News Network

William Samuel Drake, known affectionately as Sam to his friends and family, passed away peacefully on Christmas Day, 2025, at the Hospice of Southern Kentucky. Born on April 21, 1931, in Central City, Kentucky, Sam's life was a testament to the values of kindness, friendliness, and wisdom that he embodied throughout his 94 years.

Wilma Ruth Drake, known affectionately as Ruth by her loved ones, passed away peacefully on December 22, 2025, at her residence in Morgantown, Kentucky. Born on February 9, 1934, in Echols, Kentucky, in Ohio County, Ruth's life was a testament to her enduring kindness, humor, and selflessness throughout her 91 years.

Sam and Ruth were both graduates of Rockport High School in Ohio County, KY.  They were married December 11, 1954 in Springfield, TN. Sam was a United States Air Force Veteran and his professional journey led him to Young Manufacturing Co. in Beaver Dam, Kentucky, where he dedicated many years of hard work and eventually rose to the position of Vice President. His commitment to his work was paralleled only by his dedication to his family and his passions. Ruth's professional life was marked by her tenure as a clerk at Quality Supply, however, her most cherished role was that of a homemaker, where she created a warm and welcoming home for her family. Together Sam and Ruth owned race horses and enjoyed spending time at the race track on weekends. They enjoyed raising a garden, cooking, canning and telling old story’s but most of all they enjoyed spending time with family especially their grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandson.

Sam is preceded in death by his parents, Owen M. and Dixie Agnes Rhule Drake, his brother Bobby Drake, and sister Martha Ferrell, Sam's legacy is carried on by his loving family. He is survived by his son, Tommy Drake (Kim) of Morgantown, Kentucky; his granddaughters, Jill Hall (J.R.) of Caneyville, Kentucky, and Laura Kent (Raleigh) of Lawrenceburg, Tennessee; and his six great-grandchildren, Morgan Staten (Carter) of Dalton, Georgia, Kaitlyn Kitchen (Tyler) of Paris, Kentucky, Bradley Lewis of Bowling Green, Kentucky, and Aubrey, Ava, and Blakely Kent, all of Lawrenceburg, TN. The joy of his life was further multiplied by the arrival of his great-great-grandson, Levi Kitchen of Paris, Kentucky. Sam also leaves behind his cherished niece, Kim Latham (Mike) of Central City, Kentucky, and nephew, Tim Ferrell of Breman, Kentucky.

Ruth is preceded in death by her parents Forrest M. and Myrtle Inez Bowen Curtis and her brothers Eddie and Darrell Curtis. Her legacy continues through her son Tommy Drake and his wife Kim of Morgantown, KY. Ruth's joy was multiplied with the birth of her two granddaughters, Jill Hall (J.R.) of Caneyville, KY, and Laura Kent (Raleigh) of Lawrenceburg, TN. She was blessed with great-grandchildren Morgan Staten (Carter) of Dalton, GA, Kaitlyn Kitchen (Tyler) of Paris, KY, Bradley Lewis of Bowling Green, KY, and Aubrey, Ava, and Blakely Kent, all of Lawrenceburg, TN. The recent addition of her great-great-grandson Levi Kitchen of Paris, KY, brought her immense happiness. Ruth is also survived by her sister-in-laws, June Curtis of Guntersville, AL, and Sherry Curtis of Beaver Dam, KY, as well as several nieces and nephews.

Joint Funeral Services for Mr. & Mrs. Drake will be held at the Jones Funeral Chapel Thursday, January 1, 2026 at 11:00am with Bro. Leland Geary and Bro. Rob Rowland officiating. Burial will be in the Salem Cemetery where Bobby Curtis, Tim Ferrell, Raleigh Kent, Tyler Kitchen, Bradley Lewis and Carter Staten will serve as pallbearers, Tom Palmer and Larry Arnold as honorary pallbearers and military rights will be presented by the Ohio County AM Vets in honor of Sam’s service. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 31. 2025 from 4:00pm - 8:00pm and Thursday 8:00am until funeral time at 11:00am at the Jones Funeral Chapel. Memorial contributions may be made to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital 501 St Jude PL Memphis, TN 38105,Hospice Of Southern  Kentucky 5872  Scottsville RD., Bowling Green, KY 42104  or Norton’s Children’s Hospital 4001 Dutchman’s LN Louisville, KY 40207. Please share any photos, memories, condolences, or light a candle in memory of Sam and Ruth at www.jonesfuneralchapel.com <http://www.jonesfuneralchapel.com>. Jones Funeral Chapel is honored to be serving the family of William Samuel Drake and Wilma Ruth Drake.