Wendell Simpson Brande

Wendell Simpson Brande, age 82, originally of Browns Summit, NC, passed peacefully into heaven on February 28, 2024.  He lived his life with honor in dedication to God, his family and his country.

He was born to Albert Brande and Ollie Lambeth Brande on November 8, 1941, as their fourth child, following siblings Iris Brande Jones, Austin Brande and Toni Brande Andrews. He grew up working on his parent’s farm and excelling in sports while attending Monticello School. He then attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He continued to shine in sports, particularly in baseball where he had the option to be recruited and pitch for the Detroit Tigers.  He instead decided to devote himself to serving his country and after passing Officer Candidate School was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Air Force on November 7, 1963. 

While stationed in San Antonio, TX, he met another Air Force officer who would be the love of his life, Mary Elizabeth Lowry. The two married on September 29, 1968 in Mary’s home town of Lexington, MA. They raised two children, son Dale and daughter Tracy.  They had an active, full life together in their 55 years of marriage, living throughout the United States and Europe during Wendell’s Air Force career.

Wendell served in the Air Force with great pride for nearly 30 years from his commissioning in 1963 until his retirement as a full Colonel on July 31, 1992. He was a Vietnam veteran and held many important positions including twice being the commander of an Air Force Wing. 

After retiring from the Air Force, Wendell turned other lifelong passions, most particularly golf. Until health issues started catching up with him of late, he would almost daily be out on the links enjoying the sport and friendship there. His vicinity to Chapel Hill also allowed him to take in a lot of the UNC athletics he loved. His wardrobe changed from Air Force Blue to Carolina Blue. Wendell and Mary also started cruising at least annually, frequently booking their next adventure before disembarking the ship  they were on.

Wendell is survived by his wife Mary and children Dale Brande & Tracy Brande; his sister Toni Andrews (Thomas Neal), nieces, nephews, cousins and all those whose life he touched.

A military burial is planned for a later date at Beaufort National Cemetery in Beaufort, SC.

The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to any of the numerous veteran’s support programs such as the Wounded Warrior Program.

Condolences can be made at: PinesFunerals.com

Fry & Prickett Funeral Home is serving the Brande family.