William Hilton Broyles, M.D., 88, passed away March 19, 2013, at his home
in Shreveport. Visitation will be held from 5-6:30 p.m. on March 21 at Osborn Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on March 22 at Broadmoor Baptist Chapel on Friday, March 22, with Dr. Tom Harrison officiating. A private burial
will precede the service.
Dr. Broyles was born on June 7, 1924 in Shreveport. He was born unto Anderson Harvey Broyles and Mattie Allen Broyles. He attended Byrd High School, Centenary College and graduated from LSU Medical School in New
Orleans. Upon graduating from medical school, he joined his brother Joe at The Broyles Clinic and Hospital in Leesville. In 1950, he married Nell Williams and they began their life together in Leesville. Their five children were born and reared
there. When his brother, Joe, died in 1960, Dr. Broyles continued their medical practice and later opened Kurthwood Manor Nursing Home in 1969. He retired from the medical profession in 1976. His career also included investments in oil and gas and
real estate development.
While practicing medicine, he also developed a love for the game of golf. He purchased and operated Toro Hills Country Club, at Hodges Gardens, for approximately 15 years. It was on that course that his handicap
became near scratch. He played and enjoyed golf until his last game at the age of 81. In 1977, Nell and Bill moved to Shreveport. They rekindled numerous friendships and made many new ones. They practiced hospitality with numerous crawfish boils and
parties for their friends. When friends overstayed their welcome, you could count on Bill to start blinking the lights.
In Shreveport, Nell and Bill actively participated in Sunday School and worship at Broadmoor Baptist Church.
Bill, to his friends, was affectionately known to his children as “Honey,” at least until his boys reached junior high. At that point, Bill and Mike decided that it wasn’t very cool to call one’s father “Honey,” so they arrived at their new name
for him, “Doc.” From that point on he was known as “Doc” to the boys and their friends. For Nell, the girls, the grandchildren and great-grandchildren, he was forever “Honey.” Honey was devoted to his and Nell’s children and spent countless hours
attending their various events and supporting their endeavors.
In 2000, his cherished Nell suffered a severe stroke. Although Nell was paralyzed on her left side and needed much care, Doc cared for her with great love and devotion, without
complaint. He helped her bathe and dress each day. He started cooking and made sure she had meals she enjoyed. Often he said that he believed God granted him an energized spirit to help take care of Nell. He was heartbroken upon her death in 2005.
They had an exemplary marriage for 55 years.
Doc later remarried Sue Dyer Slack and they enjoyed two wonderful years together. Sue and Bill were active in Dr. Tatum’s Sunday School class at Broadmoor Baptist. Sue kept Doc active and
reintroduced him to the game of bridge and many friends at the Shreveport Bridge House. After Sue’s her untimely death from cancer, Bill continued to play bridge and enjoyed his new friends at the bridge house. He would love to talk business with his
son, Bill. He also loved just talking and catching up on things with all of his children.
Doc enjoyed listening to the Bill Gaither Family sing gospel songs. He understood the grace we receive from our Father and salvation gained through
Christ.
However, there were two things he did not understand. One was why LSU wouldn’t open up its offense to score more points. The other was why our country could elect the leaders it had chosen in recent years. Although he resolved
himself that he would never figure either of those out, he continued to love his Tigers and his country very much.
Doc was also predeceased by his daughter, Linda Diane Broyles; his parents; his brothers, Harvey and Joe; and his sister,
Eilyeen.
Doc is survived by his brother, Ted and his wife, Jeri of Leesville; sons, William H. Broyles, II, and his wife, Nancy of Shreveport, and Michael O. Broyles and his wife, Renee of West Monroe; and his daughters, Cynthia Peak and
her husband, Chris of Nashville, Tenn., and Deborah Dunlap and her husband, Bill of Dallas. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Will Broyles, Jim Broyles, Becky Broyles, Ginny Broyles, Clayton Broyles, C.C. Broyles, Andrew Peak, Ellie Peak,
Matthew Peak, Mike Dunlap, Kady Dunlap, Craig Dunlap, David Dunlap and Rick Dunlap; as well as six great-grandchildren; dear friend, Rachel Williams; and numerous nieces and nephews.
His grandsons will serve him as pallbearers.
The family wishes to extend its thanks to Dr. Robert Hernandez, Dr. Phillip Garavaglia, Dr. Tripp Edwards, the staff of Willis- Knighton Hospital and the staff at Home Instead for their help during his recent illness.
In lieu of
flowers, memorials may be sent to LA Baptist Children’s Home, the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation or the charity of the donor’s choice.