Kenneth Poe Funeral Services

April 24, 2024

CHARLOTTE – Thomas "Tom" Walter Brake, II, passed away on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, after a brief illness.

Tom was born on February 18, 1933, in Rowland, NC, the youngest of three brothers born to Bessie and Ralph Brake. He was always extremely proud of his southern roots and small-town upbringing in Rowland, a town of 1,000 friends, in Robeson County, NC.

A natural athlete, Tom excelled in both basketball and baseball, playing for the American Legion baseball team. He attended Campbell University junior college and graduated from UNC Chapel Hill. A true-blooded Tar Heel, Tom loved Carolina basketball, rarely missing a game, (even though he often could not watch live games due to the stress of anticipating the outcome.)

Tom served as a Pilot in the United States Air Force where he earned the rank of Major. He credited his time there as the foundation for how he lived his life. After his active duty in the Air Force, he spent 21 additional years in the Air National Guard. He was a proud veteran and loved sharing the memories he made during his time in the military.

After his active duty with the Air Force ended, Tom spent the next several years working for Ford Motor Company in sales. Slow to warm up to sales at first, Tom realized that he excelled in his field, which led him to start his own business, CBA, a company selling furniture and shelving for libraries. Some of his most notable clients were Liberty University, The Library of Congress, Georgetown University, Duke University, Davidson College, NC State University, University of North Carolina School of Business, and many others.

After being set up on a blind date by mutual friends, Tom married his wife, Carole, on November 22, 1969. They were lifelong members at Myers Park United Methodist Church where they were part of The Builders Class. They were also members of the Charlotte Country Club and the Charlotte Debutante Club.

Tom took great pride in his grandfather duties and loved being the designated chauffeur for rides to and from practices, part-time jobs, and being the infirmary for sick grandchildren who needed to stay home from school.

A lifelong learner, Tom was affectionately nicknamed "lesson boy" by his children and grandchildren for his knack of finding a life lesson or moral in every situation, good or bad.

Tom loved playing golf and two of his favorite golf partners were his brothers and best friends, Ralph and Vernon "Bunny" Brake. Tom also loved spending time with his weekly men's lunch group, the “No Name Lunch Bunch”.

Tom will be remembered through the loving legacy of his wife, children, and grandchildren. He is survived by his wife of fifty-four years, Carole Brake, son Thomas "Tim" Walter Brake, III (Charles Wilton Guy), daughter Virginia Brake and her four children JaneGray and Samuel Tietsort and Elizabeth and Trifton Warren, beloved dog, Darla, and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held 2:00 PM, Wednesday, May 1, 2024, at Myers Park United Methodist Church in Charlotte, NC with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Humane Society of Charlotte. 

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28204 (704) 641-7606. Online condolences can be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.