Kenneth Ray Broyles passed away at the age of 94 on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at NHC of Sparta. Kenneth was born in White County on January 12, 1932, to the late William Ray and Mattie Lula Bradley Broyles of Sparta, Tennessee.
On December 20, 1952, he married the love of his life, Martha Sue Bell Broyles. During their 72 years of marriage, they were blessed with four children: Steven Ray Broyles (Denise) and Sherrie Beth McCulley (Robert) of Sparta, Tennessee; and Susan Raye Harris (Howard) and William “Bill” Fearon Broyles of Nashville, Tennessee. He was a proud grandfather to six grandchildren: Zachary Broyles (Morgan), Hannah Broyles Marcum (Daniel), Keith McCulley, Hallie Harris, Houston Harris, and Mattie Harris Williams (Cliff), and two great-grandchildren, Sydney Marcum and Graham Broyles.
Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents; his older sister, Roberta, who died at the age of seven; his beloved wife, Martha Sue; his brother, Ralph, and his wife, Patsy; his brother, James Thomas; and his brother-in-law, Bruce Vaughn.
He is survived by his brother, Leon (Martha Jane); his sister, Martha Jo Vaughn; and many nieces and nephews.
Kenneth grew up primarily in White County and developed a lifelong love of football. He played halfback for White County High School, where he and his brother Ralph were inducted into the WCHS Sports Hall of Fame in 2013.
He went on to attend Tennessee Technological University, where he was initially told he was too small to play football. Never one to give up, Kenneth became a spring walk-on and ultimately earned a full scholarship. Through determination and hard work, he went on to serve as co-captain and was honored with the prestigious Robert Hill Johnson Award as the Most Outstanding Player for 1953. In 1982, he was inducted into the Tennessee Tech Sports Hall of Fame.
While attending Tennessee Tech, Kenneth participated in the ROTC program. Upon graduating in 1954, he served in the United States Army and was stationed in Korea. He served as a First Lieutenant and completed his service with the rank of Captain.
Following his military service, Kenneth attended the University of Tennessee, where he earned his master’s degree in Agronomy. He began his career with the Agricultural Extension Service in Trenton, Tennessee, and later joined the Tennessee Farm Bureau, serving as Lead Agent in White County. He retired in 1997 after 38 years of dedicated service.
Kenneth was deeply committed to his community and served on many boards throughout the years. However, his most meaningful service was to his church and his faith. He faithfully served as a Sunday School teacher, Deacon, and for 39 years as Elder at West Sparta Church of Christ.
Kenneth will be remembered for his unwavering determination, devotion to his family, love of his community, and faithful service to God. His legacy lives on through his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended family, and the many lives he touched throughout his years.
Funeral services were conducted at 11 am on Friday, October 9, 2026, at West Sparta Church of Christ, with burial in Preston Heights Cemetery. The family received friends Thursday from 4-7 pm and Friday after 10 am at the church. Jeff Turner and Derrick Coble officiated.
Steven Broyles, Bill Broyles, Robert McCulley, Howard Harris, Zachary Broyles, Keith McCulley, Houston Harris, and Daniel Marcum served as pallbearers.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Preston Heights Cemetery, 1605 McMinnville Hwy, Sparta, TN 38583, or West Sparta Church of Christ India Missions, 100 Hampton Drive, Sparta, TN 38583.
The funeral was broadcast on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100072054246262 or on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@westspartachurchofchrist3843
Hunter Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
