Marcus "Marc" Powell Cake

NASHVILLE – Marcus “Marc” Powell Cake, age 81, passed away on Tuesday, November 25, 2025.  Born in Norfolk VA on October 29, 1944, he was the son of the late George Cake and Helen Powell Cake Futch.  He was also preceded in death by his brother, Bob Cake.

Born in Norfolk VA, he spent his early years surrounded by his loving mother, Helen, his Aunt Gladys and the extended Powell family.  Summers at Virginia Beach were among his happiest childhood memories.  After graduating high school, Marc attended East Carolina University where he met the love of his life, Sara.  Together they settled in Rocky Mount and built a beautiful life.  His career with Power Systems took him across the world—North and South America, Europe, and Asia—and he treasured every stamp in his passport.  Later, he owned golf stores and a driving range and also a general and electric contractor business.  Marc enjoyed golf, fishing, and tinkering with just about anything he could get his hands on.  A natural storyteller, he cherished his friends and loved reminiscing about their many adventures.  Skilled in woodworking and construction, Marc found joy in creating and fixing.  Above all, he was a devoted family man.  Marc treasured every moment spent with his loved ones—whether at amusement parks, on the beach, fishing, or camping trips, or simply finding any chance to experience life together.  Marc loved a good joke, could play a great game of pool, and embraced every opportunity for fun and laughter.  A man of heart, humor, and adventure, Marc lived life fully and loved deeply.

Marc is survived by his wife of 60 years, Sara Hale Cake; his daughter, Karen Gleason; his loving grandson, Emmett; his son, Paul Cake and wife, Susan; his step-granddaughter, Ayden Fox; his step-grandson, Tarin Fox and wife, Amanda; his great-grandchildren, Gabriella and Dean; his sister-in-law, Martha Sykes Ward and husband, Ted; his niece and nephew, Leigh and Brent Sykes; and cousin, Tony Vasteno.

A Celebration of Marc’s life will be held on Saturday, November 29, 2025, at 2:00 PM in the Chapel of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services with Rev. Jay Wooten officiating.  Burial of cremains to follow the service at Rocky Mount Memorial Park.  Visitation with the family will be from 1:00 PM to 1:45 PM prior to the service in the Atrium of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Marc’s memory to American Heart Association, 4217 Park Place Court, Alexandria, VA  22312 or Tar River Orchestra, PO Box 8255, Rocky Mount, NC  27804.

Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804.  You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.