Charles D. Broadway

Charles Dewey Broadway, 80, of Bryant, joined his Heavenly Father for a celebration of his life on October 16, 2007. He fought the good fight, he kept the faith. Charles was born September 29, 1927 to the late Charlie Hayward Broadway and Eva Mae Reeves Broadway in Smackover, Arkansas. He returned to Bauxite as an infant and was raised there. Charles married Bertha Davis of Wynne, Arkansas and they raised six wonderful children. He was a hard worker, who never shirked a task. He was a loving and faithful husband, father, grandfather, son, brother and uncle. He was one of the first delivery men for Jno. Parsons Store and later worked as a muleskinner for Mr. Rogers. Three days after his 16th birthday, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served five years on the U.S.S. Curtis. He was involved in the Naval Battle at Okinawa where his ship was hit by Kamikazes.

He was commended by his Commanding Officer for being loyal and courageous under fire and displaying outstanding conduct and bravery. He was still only 16 years old at the time. After the Navy, Charles worked as a dozer operator for McGeorge Construction for many years and later was an area supervisor for the Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department.

He retired from AHTD in 1989. Charles returned to school and received his GED in 1976. He was awarded an Honorary Diploma from Bauxite High School in 2004.

Charles served as president of the AHTD Retirees Association in 1996 and 1997. He was a 32 Degree Master Mason, a past Master of Alumina Lodge and a past Patron of Bryant Chapter #637 Order of the Eastern Star. He received the Pillars of Soloman Award in 2006 from Alumina Lodge #574.

Charles was a faithful member of the Bryant First Baptist Church for more than 45 years. He was a music director there as well. He often testified to the fact that his wife, Bertha had led him to Salvation by example of her Christian Life.

He was preceded in death by his parents, grandson, Chase Broadway, sister, Carolyn Nalley, six brothers in love, Earl, J.D., Curtis and Troy Davis, J.C. Webb and Bert Henningsen.

Survivors, wife of 54 years, Bertha Broadway, sons, Terry and wife Terri, Keith and wife Michelle, Joe Don and wife Cindy, Dewey Edwin and wife LeAnn and Senator Shane Broadway and wife Debbie, daughter, Karen Broadway, brother, John H. Broadway, sisters, Audrey Webb, Pat Henningsen, Brenda Smith and Bobbie Edmonson, brothers in love, John Nalley, Jabo Edmonson, Earl Smith, Billy Davis and Larry Burns, sisters in love, Joyce Ann Smith, Faye Burns, Judy, Jo and Audie Davis and Ann Broadway, grandchildren, Shonda, Knott, Andi Lattin, Brooke Shelnutt, Justin, Chad, Whitney and Andy Broadway and Tera Wood, great grandchildren, Coleman and Lauren Knott, Jaxon and Jayce Ryan Shelnutt, Zack, Haley and Tyler Broadway and Cody Lattin and many nieces and nephews. He had many friends, but one very special one, Bill Richmond.

Pallbearers were Jerry Zuber, Jerry Stovall, Charlie Hesselbien, David Moore, Bernie Gaiser and Dan Flowers. Honorary pallbearers will be the Ed Love Sunday School Class.

Church Services by Ashby Funeral Home were Friday at. at the First Baptist Church of Bryant with Bro. Phillip Miller and Dr. John Owen officiating. Burial was at Pinecrest Cemetery in Alexander with Military Honors.

In Lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Charles D. Broadway Memorial Scholarship Fund c/o The Union Bank, P.O. Box 687, Benton, AR 72018.