William (Bill) Spears Broughton Jr
William (Bill) Spears Broughton Jr, 91, of Pearland, TX passed away peacefully on November 5, 2024 at his home surrounded by his loving family. William was born on December 6, 1932 in Orangeburg, South Carolina to William Spears Sr and Annie Gwendoleine Broughton. He lived in Pearland, TX for 6 years. Prior to that he and his wife lived in Dickinson, TX. Bill was a loving brother, husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, and treated everyone he met like they were family. Bill lived a vibrant life. His love of nature, something he passed onto each of his daughters, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, will live on forever.
Starting his adult life in the Army during the Korean War, he invested his life in many things from working in a cheese factory at Borden, researching and teaching marine life on Sapelo island, a Professor in Kentucky, followed by moving to Virginia where he worked as a Toxicologist at Hazelton Laboratories. He also started a construction business in South Carolina.
In 1975 he moved his family to Texas where he became Partner of the Lindler-Broughton Building Company before he retired in 2015. Bill and his wife Sterling spent many years traveling through West Texas which they both loved. Later in life Bill took up cycling as a passion and participated yearly in the MS150 rides in honor of his wife Sterling. He devoted his life in taking care of his wife.
William is preceded in death by his wife, Sterling June Butler Broughton, parents William Sr and Annie Gwendoleine Broughton; sister Mattie Broughton Hardin, and brother George Thomas Broughton.
Bill is survived by his daughters, Frances Grace Broughton Templeton and her husband Ricky, Cindy Sterling Broughton Graves, Anna Elizabeth Broughton Harris and Sally Estelle Broughton Culley and her husband Joseph; sisters Margie Broughton Hendrix, Nina Broughton Jordon, Annie Gayle Broughton Gunter and Patsy Broughton Bickley; grandchildren Destiny Amber Micklin and her husband Justin, Mark Joseph Carr, Jr. and wife Angie, Laurel Anna Carr, Rebecca Lynn Templeton McMahon and her husband Jarett, Sara Elizabeth Phillips and her husband Stephen, Daniel Lloyd Graves and his wife Gabi, Kelsey Sterling Graves, David Benjamin Harris and his wife Rina, Catherine Grace Ortiz and her husband Chris, Claire Grace Culley, Robert Spears Culley, Lawson Joseph Culley and Ella Sophia Culley; great grandchildren Dovelin James Micklin, Kian Patrick Micklin, Spears Butler Micklin, Nancy Charlotte “Charley” McMahon, Judah McMahon, Haley Ann Spencer, Mia Elizabeth Ortiz, Sterling Rebel Lackey and Isabella June Rose Sturgeon.
There will be a memorial service on November 14, 2024 at 2:00pm at Crowder Funeral Home, 2422 E Broadway St, Pearland, TX 77581, with Pastor Mike of New Hope Church officiating. A Celebration of Life will follow at 3:30 at Gringos Restaurant at 2202 E. Broadway, Pearland, TX 77581.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to National Multiple Sclerosis Society, 1050 N Post Oak Rd, Ste 240, Houston TX 77055.
I’ll truly miss my Uncle Bill, the heart of our big family. He made growing up in a big family not just fun, but truly meaningful. His endless curiosity and depth of knowledge amazed us all; he was a true renaissance man – worldly and knowledgable whether he was talking about nature, science, or politics. He had a way of making each of us feel important, teaching us about the world around us and inspiring us to see things with fresh eyes. His love for his country, his kindness, and his chivalry set an example that will always be with me..
My thoughts are with you all. Bill and his family let my wife, Sandy, stay with them while taking her tests from Medical School. They welcomed her with opened arms and made her feel right at home during her tests, making the experience much easier. Though I did not know him, I was able to get a good sense of what a good person he was through my wife and am very appreciative. I I wish you all healing and comfort in this time
My thoughts and prayers are with each of you.Mr William (My forever Buddy) heart of Gold,I will cherish all the knowledge he shared,the jokes and all the talks along with just spending time together.I have never met a man so amazing.I have to say it was an honor to be chosen to be with him for a year.I pray for healing and comfort during this time and the days ahead.💙
My love and prayers go out to all of Williams family and friends. Losing the head of your family and losing the head of the whole Broughton family is such a hard thing to go through,even thought we know he is in a better place,and has joined his beloved Sterling. I could go on all day saying what a smart,good,loved person William was,but would just repeating what you all know.God has received a good one!
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. He was always such a kind soul. He always treated me like a granddaughter and he will be greatly missed.
Uncle Bill will truly be missed. I have always enjoyed his company as well as aunt Sterling. I have so many memories and stories of his many visits. His love for family always showed and was felt. He loved my mom (his sister Mattie) so much and she loved him dearly. I will always remember the love he showed to her and to us all. Continuous prayers for comfort for you all during this time. I love you 🙏 🙏 🙏
Our memories and prayers for Bill’s family in loosing such a dear man who brought laughter and meaning to so many. We first met Bill and Sterling when Bill was going to ride a bike in a race with his nephew. We were fortunate to have traveled and pedaled many miles with Bill. We enjoyed his laughter and love of life for many years and was motivated by his willingness to live life to its fullest and bring joy to those around him. He will be missed by many.
Bill and I would often get together to eat sushi at Miyako’s on Bay Area Blvd before they closed. We would discuss all of our adventures while bicycling and he woud always tell me that I was blessed to have two daughters. I think one of his favorite says was “daughters are a blessing”. That stuck with me. I also remember a time many years ago when I was in Clear Lake Hospital (HCA today) and Bill came to visit me. He casually mentioned that Sterling had a room just down from me. Later I went to visit her. Sterling had just had brain surgery related to her MS. As it turned out, she minimized her own experience and although I came to encourage her wellness, she turned it around to reassure me. Bill & Sterling both have always been such a force of positivity. Clearly, I am better for having known them both. Bill will be missed, but I think he knows that.
Fly High & Free my Sweet Wonderful Brother! You were a Great influencer!
You were Loving, Kind & Caring to all those you came in contact with! You taught me so much , as you were a very wise man!
You were a fluent debater & took your politics seriously! You debated with a zest, for which I’ve never seen in another!
We were very Fortunate & Lucky to have had you in our lives!
You leave our Family & this world, the Great Tribute of your four daughters!
My sadness will be overcome, by the Cherished memories I hold in my Heart & Soul !💕💞
I was his Realtor. It was always nice to run into him. Very nice man.