Billy A. Drye

Billy A. Drye was born the son of John A. Drye and Gertie (Meeks) Drye on December 11, 1932 in Thayer, Missouri and departed this life on June 12, 2022 in West Plains Missouri at the age of 89 years.

He was raised the beloved baby boy of a large and loving family with two older brothers and four older sisters who doted on him.  His parents owned the local grocery store in Mammoth Spring, and it was there he began working at a young age and developing his friendly demeanor. 

Billy enlisted in the U.S. Army and faithfully served for two years overseas during the Korean War. 

 Following his return, he was blessed to marry his best friend and the love of his life, Hazel Mae Dills on April 14, 1956.  Billy and Hazel made their home in Independence, Missouri where Billy worked for the Ford Motor Company for twenty years.  In January 1973, Billy and Hazel moved back to their farm in Thayer, Missouri where they co-owned and operated Eder Oil Company.  During this time Billy also enjoyed his farm life with Hazel working beside him every day.

Billy is survived by his only daughter, Cindy Drye Botard and husband Elton of Thayer, Missouri; one granddaughter, Samantha Whiteside and husband Devin of Tulsa, Oklahoma; six great grandchildren, Christian, Cole, Connor, Camden, Chase and Charlotte Whiteside, all of Tulsa, Oklahoma; several nieces, nephews and cousins; other relatives; and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Hazel; his great granddaughter, Chloe Joy Whiteside; his parents John and Gertie Drye; two brothers, Fred and John Drye; and four sisters, Rosemarie, Mary, Vida Jo and Polly.

Billy was a Christian and a member of the First Baptist Church in Thayer, Missouri, where he served as a deacon for 51 years.  He faithfully attended church as long as his health allowed.

He enjoyed farming, restoring classic cars, watching his favorite sports teams, and spending time with his family.  He always had a kind word, a story to tell, and a laugh to share with everyone he met.

Billy was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle and friend and will be missed by all who knew him.

Funeral services for Billy A. Drye will be held on Wednesday, June 15, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel in Thayer, Missouri with Brother Gerald Bounds and Brother Jared Russell officiating.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, June 14, 2022, at Carter Funeral Home in Thayer, Missouri from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Interment will be on Wednesday, June 15, 2022, in Thayer Cemetery in Thayer, Missouri with services under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc. in Thayer, Missouri.