Ted Ormand Broome

October 20, 1930 – January 4, 2025

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Ted Ormand Broome, 94, of Monroe, NC, on January 4, 2025. Ted lived a remarkable life defined by his quiet and humble Faith, kindness, patience, generosity to those in need, public service, and a deep love for his family and community.

Born on October 20, 1930, in Union County, NC, Ted's family roots in the area trace back to the 1700s. As a child of the Great Depression, Ted's resourcefulness and determination were evident early in life. During WWII at the age of 12 he was already working at Camp Sutton, shining shoes for officers and delivering newspapers. Ted's life-long love of football developed during his time playing for the Monroe High School "Python's" football team. Like many others of his day, those high school years were cut short by the Korean War. He and his friends enlisted in the Army National Guard. Although he volunteered to serve in Korea, he was deployed to Baumholder, Germany after training at Fort Bragg. He served in Battery A, 756 Field Artillery Battalion.

Following his military service, Ted used the GI Bill to attend business college. He soon realized that a business or accounting type desk job was not for him! In 1952, he embarked on a career with the Monroe Police Department. Ted became a well known figure as he walked the downtown "beat" and ultimately rose to the rank of Lieutenant, serving as a detective. Known for his fairness, a strong sense of justice and respect for all, Ted retired from the force in the mid-1970s.

Retirement brought new challenges and opportunities. Ted expanded his family's farm into a production hog operation specializing in feeder pigs and row cropping hundreds of acres. His brother Curt joined him in this endeavor after retiring from the Merchant Marine. Ted enjoyed farm life, often working alongside his wife and son, creating cherished memories while establishing this business together. Over the years, many who worked with him on the farm became like family, especially Mike Watts, who eventually took over the farm's operations when Ted retired a second time.

Ted's dedication to public service after retirement continued through roles with Crime Stoppers, then later as a S.A.L.T. (Seniors and Law Enforcement Together) volunteer with the Union County Sheriff's Office (UCSO). In 1995 when the state of NC began its concealed handgun permit program, Ted was called out of retirement to provide the fingerprints that were required as part of the application process. He was a perfect fit for this job due to his prior experience in law enforcement, investigations, and fingerprint identification. His quick wit, friendly personality, and easy-going nature made him a natural for this role, which he held until his retirement in 2013 when he finally retired for the last time at the age of 83! A coworker recalled that "literally thousands of Union County residents had their fingerprints taken by Ted over the years. He was without a doubt a crowd favorite and local legend!"

Ted was predeceased by his beloved wife, Patt M. Mullis Broome, They enjoyed many happy years together raising their children and spending time with family and friends. Together, they celebrated countless adventures while traveling, flounder fishing at Long Beach or Ocracoke Island, square dancing in the 1970s, quail and pheasant hunting, as well as frequent gatherings with friends and family for cookouts, fish frys, or homemade ice cream.

He was also predeceased by his parents, Samuel Edward "Ned" Broome and Francis Pearl Broome, and his siblings Wayne Broome, James Curtis Broome, Samuel Waldo Broome, and Margie Broome Starnes.

Ted is survived by his children, Ted A. Broome (Kristine) of Gainesville, FL, and Tracy Broome Woods (Grant) of Reeds Spring, MO, and his granddaughters, Raleigh Woods and Rae Woods. He also leaves behind many beloved nieces, nephews, friends, and neighbors who enriched his life.

Ted's later years were marked by robust health and a zest for life. While COVID was a terrible time for many people, for him this was a positive time as he stayed with his son and daughter-in-law at their home in FL, enjoying quality time together. He enjoyed frequent visits to Missouri where he was an active part of his granddaughter's lives. For several years, his birthday was celebrated by a trip across the United States with his daughter Tracy, to enjoy harvest season in the midwest. Even at 93, he embarked on one of these cross-country road trips taking the back roads to enjoy beautiful scenery and visit dear friends.

Ted's quick wit, "profound" wisdom, and gift for engaging conversations will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. His legacy of public service, kindness, and generosity will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. He finished his race well with integrity and humbleness.

Celebrating the Life of Ted

You are invited to join the family for a Celebration of Life on Saturday, January 18, 2025, from 1:00 to 4:00 PM in the Community Room at The Old Armory Community Center, 500 S Johnson Street, Monroe, NC 28110. (The location holds special significance as it is the armory where Ted reported during his time in the National Guard.) This drop-in event is a time to connect with friends and family, share stories, and honor the life of a remarkable man.

From 2:00 - 2:30 PM, we will gather for a short service that will include a flag-folding ceremony and an open mic for those who would like to share a special memory of Ted.

Memory cards will also be available for you to write personal reflections for the family to treasure. Your presence would mean so much as we come together to celebrate Ted's life.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to The Council on Aging in Union County. This organization provided companionship and assistance that enriched Ted's later years, enabling him to live independently with happiness, comfort and dignity.