Elmer Roy Broadus

Elmer Roy Broadus, 91, of Joaquin, passed away Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023, in Joaquin.

Visitation was Monday, Nov. 27, 2023, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center. Funeral service was Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2023, at Watson & Sons Chapel with Sister Sherry Harding and Bro. Jason Broadus officiating. Interment will follow at Oaklawn Memorial Park in Center.

Mr. Broadus was born in Joaquin July 29, 1932 to Emmett Ramsey Broadus and Flossie Aquila Wiggins Broadus. He attended New London school until the natural gas explosion. He then continued school in Overton. 

Being the eldest of nine, he felt the need to help support his family by joining the U.S. Army at 17. After years of serving his country and traveling the world, he relocated to Shelby County. While eating lunch at the local Red Dot Café in Joaquin, he met the love of his life, Linda. After 6 months of dating, he knew she was the one that he could not live without so together they tied the knot on June 6, 1970, and made their home in Joaquin. 

At that time, he had a job as a pipe fitter offshore where he worked for J Ray McDermott for 20 plus years and retired. He then was introduced to the timber business. If he was driving in a car, you can bet he was checking out all the trees on both sides of the road.

Roy spent most of his time in later years volunteering and helping others. Through local churches, he traveled several states on missions trips helping rebuild homes, transporting donations and serving others as needed. Roy was the true definition of being the hands and feet of Jesus.

His travel declined due to health, but his heart for missions never stopped. In 2010, he began to partner with Shelby County Outreach Ministries where he assisted many people. After years of dedication and service, he felt like a “big chief” when he was appointed his very own office in 2016. If he wasn’t serving at the Outreach, you could find him reminiscing with his friends over breakfast or trying to find the next big deal on a junk car. His famous saying was, “Everything is for sale except the wife and kids.”

He loved people. Doesn’t matter if he knew you or not, he would have something to say. His greatest love was his family. He looked forward to all of the family get-togethers and would be sure to know what was on the menu. Although he loved the main course, dessert was his favorite. You could always catch him in his recliner watching sports enjoying his bowl of Blue Bell ice cream.

Even until his last breath, he still was the most selfless man who loved our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. His favorite Bible verses were John 3:16 and Romans 12:1-3. Roy will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Linda Cummings Broadus; children, Kim Williams and husband Ralph of Benton, Louisiana, Jason Broadus and wife Wendy of Joaquin, Randy Broadus of Nacogdoches, Texas, Toby Broadus of Joaquin, Texas, Bonnie Yount and husband James of Clinton, Arkansas, Amy Clouse and husband Zac of Joaquin, and Monica Lawson and husband Matt of Joaquin; numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren; brother, Jerry Broadus and wife Olene of Carthage; sister Barbara Woodcox and husband Randy of Joaquin; numerous nieces and nephews, and a host of other family and friends.

He is preceded in death by parents, Emmett and Flossie Broadus; sisters, Velta Bordner, Gail Broadus, and Margaret Walker; brothers, James Broadus, Bobby Broadus, and Elton Broadus.

Pallbearers will be the grandsons of Mr. Roy.

Our family would like to recognize and give our thanks to Torrie Gipson and Affinity Hospice for their care of our husband and father. We are so grateful for you all.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Shelby County Outreach Ministries.

Online condolences and tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfh.com