Raymond L. Brake, III

It is with great sadness that I announce the passing of Raymond Brake III, a dedicated outdoorsman and respected civil servant for NAVFAC MIDLANT PWD Yorktown-Cheatham Annex with over 30 years of federal service.  

Ray was 55 and passed away suddenly on October 20, 2023. He is survived by his life partner, Carol Peterson, who is also a NAVFAC MIDLANT employee; stepchildren Jaren and Ty, sisters Tisha Banks (spouse Calvin Banks), Nova Kennan, Jacqueline Keim (spouse Tony Keim), Rachel Henry (spouse Roy Henry), ReJeana Craft; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was especially proud of his stepson, Jaren who offered Ray the experience, wonder and excitement of being a grandfather to Jaren and Fiona’s baby girl Luna Solaris—his moon and sun.  

Ray’s creativity knew no bounds and his love of nature was expressed in his drawings, wood carvings and taxidermy. He also had a special place in his heart for his cats and chickens. Although Ray was battling cancer, he didn’t let his hope and love for life fade. His strong and steady presence provided a place of warmth and belonging. If you were so lucky to call him friend, you might have even been given a special nickname. If you needed something fixed, he could ‘MacGyver’ anything.

Ray began his government career with Moral Welfare and Recreation (MWR) initially delivering pizza around the Naval Weapons Station Yorktown. He then started working at Cheatham Annex as the Outdoor Recreation Manager where he organized fishing tournaments, sponsored community events, and other services provided by MWR such as camping adventures, and leisure skills development. The last few years, Ray was working at PWD EV as an Environmental Protection Specialist at Cheatham Annex where he supported environmental compliance for various media including natural resources. Cheatham Annex was recently recognized with the Diamond Award for 20 years of continuous Wastewater Compliance Excellence which takes the top spot in the Hampton Roads area for an installation. Ray’s diligence and passion to protecting the environment was directly responsible for this achievement.  

Ray will be missed as a partner, brother, co-worker, and friend. To share in his remembrance, a celebration of life will be held on November 4, 2023 at his home.  Our thoughts and prayers are with his friends and family as they grieve his loss.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to a cancer or children’s charity in his honor.

Online condolences may be registered at www.littlesfuneralhome.com.