Walter Broyles Sr.

But I will not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are sleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.  For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.  I Thessalonians 13:14

Today we celebrate the life of our beloved, Brother Walter Broyles Sr., a loving and devoted husband, an amazing father, a nurturing grandfather, a caring great-grandfather, and a loyal brother, uncle, cousin, and friend. 

Walter Broyles Sr. was born April 7, 1942, in Hughes, Arkansas to the Christian lineage of the late Paul Sr. and Beatrice (Roland) Broyles.  He was the second oldest of sixteen children, thirteen boys, and three girls, born to his parents’ union. 

Brother Broyles accepted Christ as his personal Savior at an early age and upon relocating to Benton Harbor, Michigan, he united with the Second Baptist Church under the pastoral guidance of Reverend Kenneth M. Gavin, serving as a faithful member of the Greeter’s Ministry and Usher Board until his health failed. Walter was truly a Christian man, a man among men, and a gentle giant. He modeled God’s love through his unconditional love and support of his pastor, church, family, and friends. 

Walter Sr. relocated to Benton Harbor, MI, and was united in holy matrimony to his loving wife of 57 years, Ressie (Brooks) Broyles. To their blessed union, six children were born; Walter Broyles Jr, Wilhelmina Broyles, and Terry (Dorothy) Broyles, all of Benton Harbor, MI; Bryan (Sherlette) Broyles of Denver, CO; Dawan (Joanna) Broyles of Ypsilanti MI; and Angela Holmes of Benton Harbor, MI.  He was an amazing grandfather and great-grandfather to those who affectionately called him Papa; a modern-day superhero in the eyes of his family. 

Walter Sr worked for Auto Specialties until he retired. He was a jack of all trades and never failed to help and support those he loved. He was a handyman, doctor, landscaper, chef, and mechanic. He was the epitome of a southern gentleman and enjoyed hunting, fishing, and tending to his hogs and hounds. He never hesitated to get dapper when the occasion called for it and was known for having a freshly pressed suit, hat, and jewelry to match. He was a man of few words, but when he spoke, everyone listened. 

On Friday, November 6, 2020, Walter Sr. was called home by his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ at Spectrum Health Lakeland – Southwest Michigan in St. Joseph, Michigan, surrounded by the prayers and love of his wife and children.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Beatrice; six brothers; Tommie, Paul Jr., Ernest, Bennie (Lula), James Arthur, and Curtis Broyles and two sisters, Clydia (Broyles) Fry and Willa (Broyles) Barnes. 

He leaves to cherish his memories, his loving wife and children, six brothers; Charles (Ernestine) Broyles of Benton Harbor, MI; Jerry Broyles of Niles, MI;  James Thomas (Joyce) Broyles of Bowling Green, KY;  Elder John Broyles of Henrietta, TX; Samuel (Erma) Broyles of Hot Springs, AR, and Roylee Broyles of Dallas, TX;  one sister, Pauline (Jeffery) Levi of Dallas, TX;   four sisters-in-law; Reola Blake, Vallrie Brooks and Cornise Broyles, all of Benton Harbor, MI and Earnestine Brooks of Indianapolis, IN; two brothers-in-law, Robert Jackson of Benton Harbor, MI and Larry Barnes of Pine Bluff, AR and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.  

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