Alvin Nelson Brake

Brake, Alvin “Al” Nelson - age 78 of Knoxville, passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 12, 2013 surrounded by the love of family and friends. He was born to Albert Richard Brake and Naomi Page Brake on December 6, 1934, in Bristol, VA. He joined the Navy in 1954 and served as Photographer’s Mate aboard the U.S.S. Everglades, where he served for 4 years. On February 11, 1956, Al married his lovely wife, Ann, and they later moved to Knoxville. After his military service, Al continued his career in photography with Sperry Rand, the Red Stone Arsenal and the Univ. of TN. In 1971 Al shifted careers and persuaded his dream in the restaurant and the food services industry, where he worked until his retirement in 1998. Since then, he has enjoyed puttering around in his yard and traveling with Ann and his in laws, the late brother-in-law David Hamilton and wife Betty Ann Duncan and Bill and Betty Nobles. Al loved serving in his church, Black Oak Heights Baptist, where he helped with countless Wednesday night suppers and meals for summer missions camp. His family will remember him as a loving and thoughtful husband, an encouraging and supportive father. Al’s love for his family was always steadfast. Al was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Naomi. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Ann, and son, Alvin N. “Chip” (Polly) Brake II of Knoxville; brother Rollin (Helen) Brake and family of Lexington, NC; grandchildren J. Brett Brake and Brittaney A. Carter, both of Columbus, GA, Laura A. Brake of Knoxville, and LCpl. Sarah A. Brake of Virginia Beach, VA; great-grandchildren Aiden C. Brake of Columbus, and the newest addition to the family, Tristan N. Brake of Virginia Beach. The family wishes to thank East Tennessee Heart Associates; especially Dr. J. Rod Gimbel and Jaan Kelly, for their friendship and loving care in Al’s last weeks. The third floor Nursing Service of Parkwest Hospital where true angels tirelessly cared for and loved Al till his passing. A funeral service will be conducted at 7:00 p.m. Friday at Rose Mortuary Mann Heritage Chapel officiated by Pastor Steve Ross and Pastor Jack Parrott. Family and friends will meet at 11:15 a.m. Monday at East Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery (John Sevier Highway) for an 11:30 a.m. interment service with full military honors presented by Volunteer State Veterans Honor Guard. The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Friday at the mortuary. Online condolences may be extended at www.rosemortuary.com. Arrangements by Rose Mortuary Mann Heritage Chapel.

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Alvin Nelson Brake

December 6, 1934 - September 12, 2013