Bill Broyles
Bill Broyles, passed away on December 16, 2022, at home in Virginia Beach, Virginia with his wife, children, grandson and extended family lovingly gathered around him.
He was born to Jessie Keele and Warren Ora Broyles in Artemus, Kentucky.
Growing up in the mountains, Bill dreamed of flying planes and infinite horizons. He held many roles in the US Navy, including aviator, flight instructor and aircraft accident investigator. After 25 years on active duty, he retired as a commander but returned to the Naval Safety Center, NAS, Norfolk, VA as a civilian air safety specialist.
Bill accomplished nearly everything he wanted in life: marrying his childhood sweetheart, earning an MBA, learning to fly ultralights in his late 60s and becoming the best Paw imaginable to three grandchildren.
Preceded in death by his parents and brother Dorman, Bill is survived by a wife of 62 years, Cleta Ruth Evans Broyles; children, Kirby (Victoria), Karen (Michael) and Terri (Jason); cherished grandchildren, Samuel, Thomas and Farran; brother, Randal; and sister, Carol.
Before passing, Bill told Ruth numerous times, “I can’t stop loving you.” We can’t stop missing him.
Bill will have a United States Navy burial at sea. A celebration of life will be held in 2023. Donations in his memory can be made to Wings Over Virginia Hospice or the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.




