Park Memorializes Donnie Wayne Brake
Everywhere, there were reminders.
The #25 hot rod on the cake.
The track for racing remote controlled cars.
The family that held their loved one's memory close, four years after the terrible tragedy.
Last Thursday, a community gathered to dedicate a new Highland View park in memory of Donnie Wayne Brake, Sr., who passed away on Jan. 28, 2004.
Brake, a Gulf County Public Works employee for 16 years, was killed while operating a road grader at the Odena Division of Forestry offices on U.S. 98.
While crossing over the railroad tracks on the property, Brake's vehicle was struck by a west-bound train.
Before his death, Brake was the first county employee to begin clearing the land for what would become his lasting tribute, a spacious, fenced-in park at the end of Grouper Avenue.
Area residents championed the idea to name the park in Brake's memory shortly after his death.
The oldest son of Donald and Elizabeth Brake of Overstreet, Brake was born on March 1, 1963.
He married his teenage sweetheart, Teresa, whom he called "Stubby" for her short stature, and the couple had two children, Donald Wayne "Little Donnie" and Mylissa Brake.
When he was not working, Brake could usually be found at the half-mile dirt track on old Hwy. 22.
He bought his first race car, a beat-up Ford, with his fellow c ounty employees Doug Kelley and Steve Mork, and teamed with friend Roy Lollie to buy his signature #25 racecar, featured on the ceremony cake.
In his short racing career, Brake won countless trophies. He gave many of them away to kids and sponsors like Dixie Dandy.
An avid hunter and fisherman, Brake obtained his captain's license and had planned to take customers fishing offshore shortly before the tragedy.
At Thursday's ceremony, friends and family remembered Brake as a straight-shooting, outspoken man who treasured his friends and family.
"He was independent, strong willed, extremely loyal to his friends," remembered county solid waste director Joe Danford.
"If you wanted him to tell you the truth about something, he'd tell you."
Charlie Brake remembered his older brother as a father figure and the "most straightforward person you ever wanted to meet."
"That's why most people liked him a lot," said Charlie. "And those who didn't like him, they really didn't like him."
Charlie's wife, Jennifer Brake, described her brother-in-law as "not reserved," a quality she recognizes in Brake's daughter, Mylissa.
The family was honored by the park dedication, and gave special thanks to County Commissioner Carmen McLemore.
"Carmen said he would make sure this park was nice if not nicer than Honeyville Park," said Jennifer Brake. "That was a good feeling for our family that Carmen stepped up."
Funded by an initial contribution from the DuPont Foundation and a $200,000 Florida Recreation Assistance Program grant, the park offers an impressive array of amenities.
It boasts multiple covered picnic pavilions, a grilling area, basketball and tennis courts, soccer and baseball fields, a child-friendly playground and pond, complete with water fountain.
In a nod to Brake's passion for racing, the park also has a dirt race track for remote-controlled cars, complete with observation tower.
On Thursday, Brake's first grandchild, two-year-old Donald James "D.J." Brake, explored the park under the watchful eyes of his family.
A baby brother is on his way. There will be ample room for both to play in their grandfather's park.
