Joseph Arnold Brake

ROCKY MOUNT – Joseph Arnold Brake, age 79, passed away on Saturday, December 20, 2025.  Born in Nash County, NC on February 22, 1946, he was the son of the late Henry Louis Brake and Norma Louise Meiggs Brake.

Joseph was a proud graduate of NC State University and found joy in the simple pleasures of life.  He enjoyed bird watching, cow watching, and spending time outdoors.  He had a deep passion for gardening and cherished the time he spent working the land.  He loved his family and he loved his country, serving proudly in the United States Army for over 20 years.  He especially loved his John Deere tractor and was often heard saying that time spent on it was his “thinking time”, or simply his time.

Joseph is survived by his wife of 57 years, Joanne, and his daughter, Sara Brake Moseley, whom he cherished deeply; his grandchildren, Ryan Moseley (Sarah Ibarra), and Ashley Moseley (Joshua Martinez); his brothers, Henry Louis Brake III (Paula) and George Meiggs Brake.

A Funeral Service to celebrate Joseph’s life will be held on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, at 2:00 PM at West Edgecombe Baptist Church, 13821 NC Hwy. 43, North, Rocky Mount, NC  27801 with his nephew, Rev. Jonathan Brake officiating.  Burial will follow at Brake Family Cemetery, Corner of Cokey Road and Calhoun Road, Edgecombe County.  A visitation will be from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM prior to the service in the Sanctuary of West Edgecombe Baptist Church.

Flowers are welcome or donations may be made in Joseph’s memory to Wounded Warrior Project. PO Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675.

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.