Vernon "Sam" Brake, Jr.

Vernon Samuel "Sam" Brake Jr., 92 years of age, a lifelong resident of Fredonia, went to be with the Lord in the early morning hours of Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at his home, after suffering declining health for the last few weeks. His family and friends have remained vigilant for the last week at his bedside. Gentiva Hospice has been assisting the family.

A Celebration of Life service will be Saturday, October 26, 2024 at 1:00 PM at Clarksville International Church. Burial will follow at Resthaven Memorial Gardens where military honors will be rendered. Pastor Greg Plummer will officiate. The family will receive friends at the church from 11:00 AM until the time of service. 

Sam was the fourth child born to the late Vernon Samuel Brake, Sr. and the late Louise Caroline Zirbel Brake, and the last remaining of eight children. He was preceded in death by his first wife of 43 years and mother of his three children, Penelope "Peni" Binkley Brake and his second wife of 17 years, Carol Annette Crow Wallace Brake. The siblings that preceded Sam in death are James Foster "Big Daddy" Brake, Frances Elizabeth Haley, Virginia Lois "Jenny" Harrison, twins, Ramona James and Devona Nanney, Chester Lewis Brake and William Zirbel "Billy" Brake.

Sam loved Bluegrass and Country Music and he loved to go dancing. He often could be seen at the Senior Citizens Center. He attended School at Fredonia and later would bring his family to attend the Square Dances at the same building. He usually made a garden every year and shared the bounty with his family and friends. He mowed his own grass, did his other yard work and gardening until his health would not allow him any longer. Sam loved his family and loved spending time with his grandchildren, especially at Christmas when his whole family would gather at his house for breakfast on Christmas morning.

Survivors include his son, Todd (Ingrid) Brake of Florida; two daughters, Becky (Chuck) Seay of Mobile, Alabama and Candy (Gene) Hill of Fredonia; seven grandchildren, Charlie (Becki) Seay, Nicole Seay, Chris (Jennifer) Brake, Tracy (Kevin) Marrs, Gena Hill, Cara Hill, and Brittany Brake; 14 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild; and a very special sister-in-law, Virginia "Jenny" Seay.

Sam was a much beloved friend, father and grandfather. He will be missed by all who knew him. His favorite Bible verse was John 3:16. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Gentiva Hospice.

Please visit Sam's online guestbook at www.sykesfuneralhome.com and share a memory with the family.