In the early morning of Thursday, April 22, Rev Dr. Ulas N. Broady transitioned peacefully at 95 years old. He was born Sept. 17, 1925 in North Holston, VA the third of ten siblings of the now late Frank C. and Lonnie J. Broady. He was also preceded in death by 4 sisters and 2 brothers.
Dr. Broady was indeed a servant to his community and surrounding areas and lived a long productive life. He served in World War II in the European Theatre, was employed at the Veterans Medical Center in Salem for over 30 years and as pastor of Lapsley Run Baptist Church for 32 years. Broady also was presented the Honorary Doctor of Divinity Degree from Richmond Virginia Seminary.
His purpose in life is exemplified in one of his favorite Bible verses, “He has shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do Justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?”
His greatest joy was serving God and others. Prior to his pastorate, he worked tirelessly in many positions at his home church, High Street Baptist. While there, he served as Chairman of the Deacon Board for over 25 years, served on the pastoral search committees, taught Sunday school and was available in other capacities as needed.
Broady was one of the founding members of High Street Federal Credit Union and was involved as a volunteer since it’s early existence in the 1950s, he was chairman of the Credit Committee, held several other offices, and regularly attended the Baptist Ministries Conference of Roanoke, Salem, Vinton and Southwest, VA and was willing to do whatever he could for his and other churches in surrounding areas. He served as one of the ministers for Hamlar-Curtis Funeral Home.
Broady found joy as a devoted family man. He was also at his best when attending annual Broady Family Reunions and invited his friends to join the activities. When he was not telling his North Holston stories, he took pride in sharing the accomplishments and stories of his grandchildren, his wife of 67 years and family.
He became a substitute father for his niece after her father died. Family members often looked to him for advice and encouragement.
Those left to cherish him memory include: his loving wife, Delois C. Broady; daughter, Yvonne (Chris) Smith and grandson, Nathan Smith all of Raleigh, NC; granddaughter, Ashleigh Smith of Los Angeles, CA; sisters, Laura B. Robinson of Durham, NC and Agnes B. Brown of Bowie, MD; brother, Rev. Braxton (Cecelia) Broady of Charleston, WV and a very devoted and special niece, Valerie Hunter of Roanoke as well as many other loving relatives and friends.
A celebration of the Life Service was held at 12 noon Saturday, May 1 in Cedar Lawn Memorial Park in Roanoke with Rev. Dr. Lee E. Suggs, Sr., presiding and Rev. Serenus T. Churn, Jr. delivering the eulogy.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to High Street Baptist Church, Mt. Zion AME Church, or Lapsleys Run Baptist Church. Professional services were entrusted to Hamlar-Curtis Funeral Home.
