Michael Braddock Allison

Michael “Brad” Allison, 31, left this world suddenly Monday in a motorcycle accident leaving behind a large family, and scores of friends, who loved him deeply and who will miss him dearly. Our collective loss cannot be adequately expressed in words. A man of depth and character, Brads accomplishments in this world were widely varied and would be impressive for someone three times his age. From thespian to poet; from altar boy to faith retreat mentor; from athlete to soldier, Brad epitomized the drive of the first-born child, having two younger brothers - Evan and Carter - who looked up to him. His parents, Anne and Michael, only tried to keep up. Brad simply cared about the rest of us. His love for others was the essence of his short life; his assuring smile was his marker affirming that love. Most unfortunate is imagining his two young daughters, Cailey Chenoa and Madelaine Rose, growing up without their adoring father. He loved his children dearly and cherished his time with them. Born in Fayetteville, Brad moved with his family to Newtown, PA in 1987 and to Garner in 1992. He attended Aversboro Elementary School, East Garner Middle School and graduated from Garner Sr. High School in 2003. An accomplished athlete, Brad participated in wrestling, swimming and tennis in high school. He was awarded the Trojan Award for Tennis as a Garner High senior. And he was on the Garner Dolphins Swim Team thru high school. Brad was a member of Boy Scouts Troop 391. In high school Brad was in the marching band, chorus, drama and served on the student council. He enjoyed his classes and excelled in English, winning the Garner Women’s Club Poetry Award. Brads friendship was genuine, and he would not hesitate to give aid to those in need. He was a man of honor, a man of faith. A member of St. Mary, Mother of the Church Catholic Parish, Brad served as an altar boy. He was on the Youth Leadership Team in high school. He continued serving as a mentor on Youth Retreats following high school. He attended Appalachian State University from 2003-2005. Most recently he was enrolled full time at Wake Technical College in Internet Security. Brads love of country was strong as he demonstrated in protecting our freedom. He joined the N.C. Army National Guard in 2006 and achieved the rank of Sergeant. He was in the 1452nd Transportation Company and the 821st Transportation Battalion. Brad served in “Operation Enduring Freedom” and “Operation New Dawn” in Iraq and Afghanistan in 2011-2012. He was awarded “The Army Commendation Medal” for meritorious service while serving as a convoy security gunner. Brad especially enjoyed being together with his family at Christmastime and the large gathering of family at Wrightsville Beach in the summers. Brads nickname, “Hollywood,” came from his love of watching movies and acting. One of his golden moments was being an extra in the pilot filming of the TV Series “Revenge.” Most recently, Brad worked as a sales associate at Best Buy in Garner. Brad will be dearly missed by we who loved him. In lieu of flowers, a Scholarship Fund for his girls is being set up.  Please speak to the family for specific information. The visitation will be Friday from 7-9 p.m. at Garners Bryan Lee Funeral Home (1200 Benson Rd.). A funeral Mass celebrating Brads life is Saturday at 11 a.m. at St. Mary, Mother of the Church (1008 Vandora Springs Rd.) with a luncheon following in St. Joseph Hall. Brad is survived by: Parents: Mike & Anne Allison, Garner, NC Brothers: Evan & Carter Allison, Garner, NC Daughters: Cailey Chenoa Allison (Spruce Pine, NC) and Madelaine Rose Allison (Raleigh, NC) Mother of daughter Cailey, Christina Gouge, Spruce Pine, NC Mother of daughter Madelaine, Meredith Rose Allison, Raleigh, NC Maternal Grandmother: Nina B. Keeley, Roanoke, VA Great Aunts: Polly McIlvoy , Bowling Green, KY and Myrtle Lindsay, Winston Salem, NC Great Uncle: Paul Crawford, Rocky Mount, VA Twenty-six Aunts & Uncles: Betsy & Todd Hobbie, Davidson, NC Bob & Barbara Keeley, Roanoke, VA Mary & Bob Flynn, Bedford, VA Tom & Nelle Keeley, Raleigh, NC Pam & Mike Cassell, Salem, VA John  Keeley, Fincastle, VA Kathy & Stuart Sibley, Roanoke, VA Paula & Mickey Cash, Staunton, VA Dan & Donna Keeley, Salem, VA David & Bonna Keeley, Roanoke, VA Mark & Meg Keeley, Charlottesville, VA Chris Keeley, Roanoke, VA Richard Keeley, Roanoke, VA Nina & Joe Sweeney, Roanoke,VA Todd Allison, Clayton, NC Also 27 first cousins and numerous second cousins whom he loved dearly