The Hixson community pays tribute to former pastor Herb Broadwater at a memorial gathering.
The Hixson community is in mourning following the passing of former pastor Herbert L. Broadwater Jr. at age 81. Herb, who served at the Hixson Presbyterian Church, significantly impacted many lives and left a lasting legacy. A memorial service is scheduled for January 6, 2025, to celebrate his life and contributions to the community.
The town of Hixson is currently mourning the loss of a cherished figure in its community, Herbert L. Broadwater Jr., who passed away peacefully at his home on Big Ridge on December 17, 2024, at the age of 81. Known affectionately as Herb, he had a profound impact on many lives during his time as the pastor of the Hixson Presbyterian Church.
Herb Broadwater was born on August 14, 1942, in Canton, Ohio, as the only child of Herbert and Sarah Broadwater. His father’s work with the Diebold Company meant that the family moved around quite a bit, but Herb’s early years were spent in a loving and supportive environment. He later graduated from Coral Gables High School in Miami, Florida, in 1960, where he showcased his musical talent by playing the drums in a band called “The Prowlers” and excelling as a trumpeter.
Education remained a cornerstone of Herb’s life. He earned a business degree from the University of Miami in 1966, which set the stage for his later ventures in financial services. But it was his theological education at Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia that deeply influenced his spiritual journey. Embracing the Reformed doctrine, he developed a profound appreciation for the various views within the Reformed tradition, particularly the Augustinian concept of “two cities.”
Herb began his pastoral career shortly after the founding of the Hixson Presbyterian Church, where he served diligently from 1970 to 1977 and then again from 1979 to 1989. His leadership during these formative years helped shape the church into a welcoming community for many families. However, his journey didn’t end there. After a brief period pastoring in Miami, he returned to the Hixson area to continue his legacy.
In the years following his pastoral work, Herb established and presided over Monarch Financial, a successful venture in which he dedicated himself tirelessly until his retirement. This transition allowed him to maintain his deep engagement with the community.
Herb’s personal life was just as rich and rewarding. He met his beloved wife, Eileen Link, at a potluck dinner at Key Biscayne Presbyterian Church, and they tied the knot on September 5, 1964. Their marriage lasted over 55 years until Eileen’s passing in 2019, a loss that undoubtedly left a significant void in Herb’s heart.
The couple had three children: son Mark and his wife Vanja from Charleston, SC; daughter Melanie from Hixson; and daughter Bethany and her husband Scott Sapoznick from Atlanta. Herb took immense pride in his family, who adored him just as much. He leaves behind granddaughters Lexi and Milla Broadwater, grandson Ari Sapoznick, and two step-grandchildren, Finn and Evelyn Sapoznick. He is also survived by his brother-in-law, Dr. William Link, and his wife Linda.
In honor of his legacy and the impact he made, a memorial service will be held for Herb Broadwater on January 6, 2025, at Hamilton Funeral Home located at 4506 Hixson Pike at Hamill Road. Visitation for the service will commence from noon to 2 p.m., followed by the memorial service starting at 2 p.m. The service will be conducted by Rev. Robert Johnson, the senior pastor at Hixson Presbyterian Church.
Herb Broadwater’s warmth, wisdom, and faith have surely left an indelible mark on Hixson and all who knew him. As the community comes together to remember a truly remarkable man, his spirit and legacy will forever resonate in the hearts of those he touched.
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