Carl Victor Brake

ROCKY MOUNT –

Carl Victor Brake, age 90, passed away at his home Saturday evening, June 19, 2021.

Carl’s journey began in Edgecombe County on March 18, 1931, as the youngest of seven children born to Jesse and Della Modlin Brake. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings and their spouses, Rosa Burgess (Jimmy), Elsie Jarvis (Charlie), Eunice Barnes (John), Buck Brake (Lee), Johnny Brake (Marguerite), and Jack Brake (Francis); step-mother, Emily Mae Ross Brake; step-sisters and their husbands, Minnie Brake (Bill) and Wilma Garris (Marshall); and twin great-grandchildren, Jesse and Leah Brake.

Carl leaves a lifetime of treasured memories for his beloved wife of sixty-seven years, Betty H. Brake; children and their spouses, Donald Justice Brake (Cindy) of Macclesfield, Vickie B. Pollard (Michael) of Red Oak, James W. “Jamie” Brake (Kristina) of Lucama, Steven Carlton Brake (Nancy) of Pinetops, and great nephew, Mark McGrath of Ocala, Fla. His heart was complete with his twelve grandchildren: Elizabeth Brake, Patrick Brake (Robin), Bailey Brake, Joshua Pollard (Erica), Nicholas Pollard (fiancée, Lindy), Bennett Pollard, Allyson Farmer (Ben), Sam Brake, Emily Brake, Abbey Brake, Madison Brake, and Anna Brake; and four great-grandchildren, Taelyr, Deacon, Penny, and Reece Brake.

He will also be greatly missed by many nieces and nephews, numerous family friends and neighbors and other extended relatives.

Carl joined the Army in 1950, following in the footsteps of his brothers Buck and Johnnie. He served with the Signal Corps in Germany. After he returned home, he met and married Betty, his wife of 67 years, and they began their long journey. He began his career on the family farm, which he purchased from his dad, who purchased it from his dad. He worked the farm he truly loved. He was involved in Baptist Agriculture Research through Campbell University. He helped to develop a system to feed people in Third World countries and a no pump that is a method to get water out of wells. These methods he helped develop are still used today.

Carl was active and involved in the West Edgecombe community where he lived his entire life. He had many lifelong friends that had been a part of his life since childhood. He served as the President of the West Edgecombe Ruritan Club. He was active in the West Edgecombe Baptist Church and later First Baptist Church of Rocky Mount where he served as deacon. He was active in the Baptist Men’s group which gave him the opportunity to fulfill his desire to help others whenever and however he could.

His large extended family was important to Carl. He took joy in bringing nephews to the farm to work in tobacco during the summer. He felt it was his responsibility to make sure that everyone understood the importance of agriculture. He made himself available to any family member in need or in celebration. Many stories continue to be shared that center around these times. 

In his later years, Carl took enormous joy in the lives of his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He would call and inquire about an event or project to keep abreast of all activities. He insisted on seeing pictures of these events as he became more homebound, staying involved with all of the lives of his family. 

Please join family and friends to remember and celebrate Carl’s life at 12:30 p.m., Wednesday, June 23, 2021, at First Baptist Church, 200 S. Church Street, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. Interment will follow at the Brake Family Cemetery, Rocky Mount. The family will receive friends prior to the service, beginning at 11:00 a.m., and other times at the home.

In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial donations to First Baptist Church, Benevolence Committee.

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