We Remember Our Friend, “Foots” Broadway

Being born to Walter B. and Bertha Broadway, he was one of seven children raised on a farm.  He learned about raising cattle and farming at an early age.

During the depression while in the 10th grade, Tharon acquired the nickname of “Foots” because the school had no money for football equipment so he played barefooted.  He was still known to most of us as “Foots”.

On June 21, 1950, “Foots” and the former Mary Ellen Missildine eloped to Meridian, Mississippi.  They had three children, two of which still reside in this area.  They lost one child to illness in 1989.  They also suffered the loss of a grandson in 1993 and still have one grandson living in this area.  “Foots” lost his beloved wife on October 6, 2007.

A 1938 graduate of Ramer High School (now Montgomery County High School), “Foots” worked in the public sector for a while and ultimately went to work with Civil Service as a USDA meat inspector.  He retired from Civil Service in 1980.  After his retirement, he began doing what he really loved, raising cattle.

“Foots” enlisted in the Alabama National Guard shortly after his 16th birthday.  Still fudging on his age, he also joined the 3C’s.  He served his country in World War II, The Korean Conflict and retired from the military service in 1967.  He gained special permission and was reactivated in 1991 to serve in Operation Desert Storm/Desert Shield with The Family Assistance Program in Troy.  He retired once again, having served in the National Guard and active duty over a period of 33 years.

He joined Hills Chapel Methodist Church in 1945 and served his Church until his death.  He was a member of the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association and numerous other farm and cattle related organizations.  He also served on the Board of Directors for MonCre Telephone Cooperative for fifteen years from 1989 through 2004.

He was affectionately known as “Uncle Foots” to his nieces and nephews who he loved so much as well as many others in the community.  He was a friend to anyone in need and to everyone that knew him.  He was a source of wisdom and strength to his family.

A servant of God, his family, his country, and his community, his absence will leave a void in the hearts and lives of all who knew and loved him.