James Tyler "Ty" Drinkard

James Tyler “Ty” Drinkard was born on August 31, 2004 and left his Earthly home on June 21, 2020. Family and friends were blessed to have loved, shared, and cherished Ty for his 15 years on this Earth. Ty was welcomed into Heaven with open arms by his Heavenly Father and a few of his dearest childhood friends. Ty, was a longtime resident of Perdido, Alabama.

Ty was the pride and joy of his parents Daphne Stamps (Marlin) and Tyler Drinkard (Erin). Their baby boy entered this world shining his light and always enjoyed sharing joy with others. Since Ty was a baby, he has melted our hearts and warmed our souls with his wide smile, dimples, and crazy shenanigans. Ty was an old soul and understood the importance of being authentic. Ty loved his family, he loved his community, and he loved his friends. Truth be known, Ty loved life and he made the most of days by living every fleeting second-BIG. Ty was infectious and anyone that met him could not help but feel the love he radiated.

From the time Ty could walk he could be found in a handful of places- knee deep in red dirt on a baseball field, in the woods hunting, on the water fishing, or being his Uncle Patrick’s sidekick. Ty proudly played for the Baldwin County High School Baseball Team since 2018. Ty worked hard to mentor young players. He was the first to share his hat, glove, or tidbit if it meant he could encourage others by spreading his love and passion for the game. Ty’s hard work on and off the field paid off. Ty was named Perdido’s Athlete of the Year and he was invited to play travel ball. Ty’s travel ball team, Blaze, was coached by one of his beloved mentors, Jamie Jaye. Anyone who had the privilege to watch Ty in action knew he was destined for greatness. Family, friends, and coaches knew we would see Ty playing on the big screen one day. Ty most recently told his Nanny that when he made it to the pros, he would be buying his own planet. We are not real sure how we would visit but we at least hope he would have extended an invite! When Ty was not playing baseball, you could find him hunting, trapping, or fishing with his beloved Uncle Patrick. Hog hunting was his favorite, but our boy loved all of God’s bounties.

One can only assume that Ty’s Earthly light shined so bright, because he was destined to be a star. Our hearts are forever broken yet they are full-full of memories and everlasting love. We find peace knowing our baby boy is now a star in the biggest game of life-James Tyler Drinkard is a star in God’s kingdom.

Ty is survived by his parents Daphne Stamps (Marlin) and Tyler Drinkard (Erin), his adored sisters Tayler and Sophia Drinkard, and his brothers Cade and Miles Stamps and beloved girlfriend Kylie Hall.  His loving grandparents Bobby and Doris Hicks of Perdido, Rebecca and Hodge Walker of Bay Minette, Earl and Renay Drinkard of Bay Minette and Rayford and Sharon Tuberville of Perdido.  His devoted aunts and uncles Patrick and Courtney Hicks of Perdido, Brandon and Brooke Drinkard of Bay Minette, Chip and Suzette Drinkard of Leroy, Kim and Richard Witherington of Spanish Fort, Kelly and Troy Boots of Gulf Shores, Stephanie Lores of Bay Minette, Daniel Tuberville of Daphne, Eric and Ashely Tuberville of Bay Minette, Erica and Jason Young of Whitehouse and a village of cousins, coaches, and forever friends.

The family will receive friends from 2:00 pm-4:00 pm on Sunday, June 28th and funeral services will begin at 4:00 at First Baptist Church with Dr. Chip Starnes and Robert Hicks officiating. Burial will follow at Perdido Baptist Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers the family has requested donations for the Ty Drinkard Scholarship Fund, Baldwin County Federal Credit Union, P.O. Box 1149. Bay Minette, Alabama 36507.

Pallbearers: Canyon Odom, Justin Brunson, Tylor Davis, Lance Smith, Ricky Hicks, Derrick McClain, Chandler Peacock, Jeffery Parker Honorary Pallbearers: Hunter Smith, Kam Drinkard, Brandon Drinkard, Chip Drinkard, Coleman Dove, Bubba Glenn, Broc Brooks, Brady Howell, Sean Corbitt, Todd Lyles, Baldwin County High School Baseball Team, Matthew Blayne Shackelford, Will Brooks, Damian Singleton, and John Avery Blackmon. 

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