Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Neil Brake Obituary
Neil developed his love of photography into a lifelong career, most recently working as Senior Photographer for Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Prior to that, he was chief photographer for The Tuscaloosa News.
He is survived by his wife, Becky Brake, daughter, Brandi Brake, and stepson, Bradley Steward, all of Franklin, Tenn.; parents, Joan and Jim Brake, and nephews, Ryan and Bradley Jones of Birmingham, Ala.; nieces and nephews, Miller, Hudson, and Ellie Mac Spivey, and Morgan and Graham Gillespie of Tuscaloosa, Ala.; father and mother-in-law, Carl and Glenda Guin; and half-brothers, Michael and Richard North in England. He was preceded in death by his sister, Lois Jones.
Nephews will serve as pallbearers.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Neil Brake
Wayne Franks
June 13, 2025
Neil befriended me while living at Northbrook apts in Northport. I was maintenence tech at the apts. He gave me a lot of snapshots of Coach Bryant and players. He also photographed my daughter jumping in pool and .are front page of Tuscaloosa News. I really valued our friendship. I'm sorry for just now noticing his passing. My sincere condolences to family.
Cindi Gentry-McGee
November 18, 2008
My thoughts and prayers are with your family. I attended Midfield HS with Neil and Lois.
Terry Bruno
November 18, 2008
My thoughts and prayers go out to Neils family.
Neil was always near and dear to my heart. I will miss you my friend.
Terry Bruno
November 18, 2008
Neil was always near and dear to my heart. My prayers go out to his family.
He will be missed.
How you can show support
Notify Me
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Karen Spann
November 14, 2008
So sorry to hear of your loss. I was 2 grades below Neil at Midfield High School and he was such a nice, friendly and always pleasant person to be around.
Nancy Patterson-Thomas
November 14, 2008
I am so sorry to hear about Neil. I grew up in the same neighborhood and spent many days hanging out in the Brake household. I have very good memories with the Brake family such as his Mom's Shepards Pie and all the swimming parties we had at his house. I remember the day Neil had his motorcycle accident and the entire neighborhood came together to help him and his family. I saw Neil at the SEC baseball tournament in May.....he seemed very happy that day....I hope he is smiling with his camera still clicking away in heaven. We will miss you Neil.......
Ann Hamilton
November 12, 2008
We only met Neil once when he was in town to photograph the Daytona 500. Neil and I are second cousins and I was so happy to get to meet him. My husband and I were very saddened to learn of his death. Our heartfelt sympathies go out to his Mom Joan, and his Dad Jim. Although we never met his wife and children, We pray the Lord God helps them all, and eases the pain of their loss.
Karen Walker
November 10, 2008
Becky,
Our family is so sad to hear of Neil's passing. We have fond memories of Neil's coaching days at the YMCA field in Tuscaloosa. Neil was a kind, cheerful person.
May you draw strength from God and each other during the difficult days ahead.
The Walker's
Dennis, Karen, Cody, Leslie (Stanford) & Britni (Smithson)
Kevin Glackmeyer
November 8, 2008
Very sorry hear about his passing. I knew Neil from when he was in Dothan. I still remember the skiing photo that was moved on the AP wire. Weekends at Talladega and running into him a news events we shot.
Sad thing. Very sad. My heart goes out to his family. Time really does heal. You must go forward and make everyday count for something.
Peace to you Neil.
When someone cries out, don't ever hesitate to ask if they need help.
Jayna Parris
November 8, 2008
So sorry to hear of Neil's passing. I know he will be missed by all who knew him. He was unique at such an early age, very special friend to me in high school. He always knew what to say when you needed someone. He talked me through so many things. Please know that I'll be praying for the family during this difficult time.
Denise Wadsworth-Trimm
November 8, 2008
I am so sorry to hear about Neil's passing. He was such a generous person during the time I knew him at Midfield High School. May you be able to remember all that was good about him. I know I will.
joey ratcliff
November 7, 2008
Neil is forever in my memory of things at Midfield High, not only for his classiness but for the friendship he inspired in all who knew him. Neil served with me in the Key Club when we began it that first year- i think of the memories now, too many to even share here, and every one comes back to the same thing- he had a way about him that was genuine. You couldnt help but like him. Neil will be missed. The family will be in my prayers.
Joey Ratcliff
Monticello, Florida
Sharon Rose Weaver Mansell
November 7, 2008
Becky and Family,
Am so sorry to hear of your loss. My prayers are for your peace, comfort and strength in the Lord. His love and mercy will get you through this tough time.
Love in Christ,
Desmond Dwight
November 7, 2008
Brandi and Family
My thoughts and pryers go out to you in your time of need! You don't have to go through this alone call me if you need anything!!
Desmond Dwight
November 7, 2008
Dear Brake Family,
I am terribly sorry to hear about your loss! I will keep everyone of you in my thoughts and prayers! I only got the pleasure once to meet Neil Brake and that was at a school event with his daughter Brandi durring challenge day! He was a very nice and caring man! the world has lost not only a great photographer but an amazing person!
Bob & Liz Beaumont
November 7, 2008
Becky, Brad and Brandi
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. You know God doesn't do any thing you can't handle. Be strong. You are in our prayers. If you need us we are only down the street.
Bob and Liz Beaumont
Joanne Hohenstern
November 7, 2008
Our hearts are heavy for your family. We ask God to provide a hedge of protection around all of you during this most difficult time. May you know the true meaning of His touch today and in the days to come...
Dave, Joanne and Danny Hohenstern
Jan Lincoln
November 7, 2008
Brandi,
We (CHS) are thinking of you and your family. Sympathy and heartfelt prayers for peace are extended to you and your family.
Margaret Chambless
November 6, 2008
I'm saddened and shocked to learn of Neil's passing. Becky, my prayers and thoughts are with you, Brandi, and Bradley and all of your family during this time. Remember going to the Alabama vs LSU game in Baton Rouge, Neil going thru the hotel lobby with the bull horn playing "YEA ALABAMA" because we had won a game that we shouldn't have? I think of that trip often. Again, I'm so very sorry for your loss. I'll be praying for you and your family.
Mark Almond
November 6, 2008
There was only one "Super Neil." You could be having a bad day until Neil arrived. Within seconds you would be laughing at something he said or did. Not only was he a great photographer he was a good person. He helped me and other photographers many times. The sidelines won't be the same without him
John Reed
November 6, 2008
I am so sorry to hear of Neil's passing. We go back a long time, and would only see each other during football season. However, each visit seemed like we had just been around each other, even though it may have been a year or so.
Neil was a great friend, he loved his family, and he loved photography. His work will be missed.
Philip Barr
November 6, 2008
Neil was a great guy, very funny, and a joy to be around. I had the pleasure of making several trips with him to UA football games when he was at the Tuscaloosa News and I was with the Birmingham News. We shared hotel rooms, meals, bad jokes, laughs, and the travails of newspaper photography. Neil, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Patsy Thompson
November 6, 2008
Becky, you and your family are in my prayers and always will be. I worked with Carla in the accounting department when Neil came to work for The TNews.
He was a joy to know and had a love for his work. He will be greatly missed by all.
As I wait on the Lord, with good courage, He shall strengthen my heart. Psalm 27:14 (NKJV)
Ray Tennyson
November 6, 2008
I am sadden to learn about Neil. I attended high school with him and graduated with Lois. My thoughts and prayers goes out to everyone in Neil's family.
Charlie Giovino
November 6, 2008
Neil and I were friends in elementary school and I have nothing but fond memories of him. His family is in my prayers. I am sure he will be missed by many.
Rachel Walters
November 6, 2008
I was very close to Neil and his family. His daughter Brandi is my best friend. I send my prayers to Becky and Brandi. You will be missed.
Tommy and Cindy Wagner
November 6, 2008
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and we are sorry that we are out of town and unable to be with you during this time.
Greg Foster
November 6, 2008
I am saddened to learn of Neil's passing. We had a lot of good times back in the late 80's and early 90's doing freelance news photography in Atlanta. I haven't talked to him in years, but kept up with him through various photo industry news sites. I know he will be missed, and my thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Neil was a good guy.
Jon Mayhall
November 6, 2008
Neil was such a good friend when we were growing up and I have so many fond memories of him.
His family and his friends are in my prayers.
gaston wilson jr
November 6, 2008
neil was a good firefighter, emergency tech,photographerand friend .he did all these while careing about the people he worked with!when he was with carrols creek fire dist.
Lloyd Gallman
November 6, 2008
I am so saddened to learn of Neil's passing. I mainly dealt with Neil as a fellow photojournalist around sports/news events.
My memories of Neil are of a guy that was full of life and had lots of laughter around him.
May your memories of Neil embrace you and keep you smiling.
To the family - I pray God holds you close and comforts you in your time of grief.
God bless you all.
David Tulis
November 6, 2008
The photo community is saddened by Neil's loss and our hearts go out to his family. Neil and I shared the sidelines, stadiums and streets covering news and political events when he was working for AP and I was with UPI. He was a sharp photographer and made the rest of us in the field work that much harder. Later Neil did many photo assignments for the AJC, providing high quality work along with his wit. He will surely be missed. David Tulis/Digital Photo Manager-Atlanta Journal Constitution
Anita Metcalf
November 6, 2008
Joan and Jim,
The Crotzer Family: Anita, Suzanne and Debbie are so saddened to hear of Neil's passing. I know it is very difficult to understand why this has had to happen, but hopefully you can find comfort in knowing that Neil and Lois are together once again, and that you will reunited with them in Heaven one day.
We are praying for strength for your family through this difficult time.
Love,
Anita, Suzanne and Debbie
Patrick Murphy-Racey
November 6, 2008
To the entire Brake family, I am heartbroken at your loss. Neil was a special guy whom I met first back when he was with the Birmingham News. I got to see him every year when the Vols would play Vandy and then often we'd have lunch when I had assignments in Nashville. Even though he was an accomplished photographer in his own rite, he was constantly looking for ways to improve his skill set. He would always ask me to call him to assist on shoots that I did in Nashville for Sports Illustrated and many other publications. He had a dry sense of humor which I now attribute to his English background, which I had no idea about. I will miss his smiling face, his quick sense of humor, and his self-effacing way. I am deeply saddened that his life was cut so short, especially for Brandi and Bradley. May Neil rest in peace, pain-free, and be welcomed into the heavenly banquet.
- Deacon Patrick Murphy-Racey
Tracy and Leigh Youngblood
November 6, 2008
We were in the volunteer fire dept with Neil in 1997. He was a great person, a real sweetheart. Our hearts and prayers go out to Becky and the children. God Bless you all.
Tami Chappell
November 6, 2008
I am so sorry for your loss. Neil was a sweet person and a wonderful photographer and I pray God keeps you wrapped in his arms at this difficult time.
Dr. David Nelson
November 6, 2008
With thoughts, prayers, sympathy and love, David Nelson
Tim Gilfilen
November 6, 2008
I've worked with Neil at Vanderbilt for the past 2 years. Brandi & Bradley he loved you all greatly and always talk how fortunate he was to have you all part of his life. I hope that in this sad time dealing with a loss of your Dad, that you will find comfort in the good memories you have of made over the years.
Becky Spires
November 6, 2008
Neil was just working at an event of mine taking phots last week, I am so sad to hear of his passing. I wish his family and close freinds peace and happy memories.
Jeff Griffis
November 6, 2008
Neil and I were best friends in elementary school. We had lunch together last spring. I am deeply saddened and pray for his family.
Gregg Cottis
November 6, 2008
I have known Neil since 1968, we were neighbors, grew up together, graduated high school together, played yard football & baseball together. we are both photographers, shared photo techniques with each other, I have not seen Neil much in the past 8 years, but have spoken to him many times. He will be missed by many people.
Karen Walker
November 6, 2008
Becky, my heart goes out to you and your family at this time. We first met you and Neil when he coached the little league at the YMCA. I cherish the memories of our children playing ball together and the fun we had celebrating the end of the season. Neil was a lighthearted, cheerful person. I am sure that family, friends and coworkers will deeply miss Neil. I was just thinking of you guys a few days ago... wondering where you are.
I am sure that you have wonderful memories of your life together. God bless and comfort you during your loss.
The Walkers, Dennis, Karen, Cody, Britni (Smithson), & Leslie (Stanford)
Glenn Baeske
November 6, 2008
I knew Neil from our days of shooting Alabama football. Very sad to hear of his passing.
Tim Morgan
November 6, 2008
MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH THE FAMILY.
Tong Haw
November 6, 2008
Neil and I only had a little small talk between us, but what little time there was between us, I felt like Neil was a friend. May God reveal himself to you that you will be comforted in your grief.
Showing 1 - 45 of 45 results
Make a Donation
in Neil Brake's name
Memorial Events
for Neil Brake
How to support Neil's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Neil Brake's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
