Broce, Gilbert Randolph

In the early morning of February 4, 2014, Gilbert Randolph Broce, surrounded at home by his family passed into the House of The Lord… Randy or “G.R.” was born October 12, 1922 in the “new” farmhouse on Straley Valley in Blacksburg. His parents were John Petit Broce and Mattie Long Broce who ran a lumber business and farm. He was a life long member of New Mount Zion Lutheran Church, Blacksburg, where he served for many years on the council and was on the Board of Trustees. Randy attended Blacksburg High School when it was downtown near VPI, this required walking from the farmhouse to relatives on Lee street to attend school. He worked for the Radford Arsenal in the early 1940’s. In 1945 he moved to Oakland, California with his new bride, Nellie Mae Coomes, and worked for the Union Oil Company. April 1951 he returned to the farm in Blacksburg to care for his aging father and the farm he so treasured. So he packed up the wife, two small boys and belongings to drive across country to Straley Valley. Randy resumed his work at Radford Arsenal as a supervisor and managed the sheep, cattle, turkeys and chickens on the farm. In January 1985 he retired from RAAP and continued to farm until November 2011 when he relinquished his duties to his sons. In addition he had a unique talent for welding and forging his own tools for special projects. Preceding Randy in death were his parents, his brother Everette, his sister Cynthia Browning, his son John R. Broce, Sr., his grandson Joe G. Broce Jr., his granddaughter, Michelle Broce, his nephews Billy Browning, and Cecil Broce. Randy was a devoted family man and will be forever cherished by his loving wife of 68 years, Nellie, his thoughtful sons, Joe (Debbie) and Roger (Becky) of Blacksburg; and his sister, Robertine Moore of Oakland, California. His surviving grandchildren are: Leisa (Jason) Freeman of Scranton, PA, John (Linda) Broce, Jr. of Falls Mills, VA, Stacye Broce of Blacksburg, Chad (Gaile) of Clemons, NC, Stephanie (Brian) Tew of Salem, Shannon (Gabe) Sander of Roanoke. He also is survived by his precious great grandchildren, Lukas Bock, Eliza and Nathan Broce, Morgan and Berkeley Tew, and Caroline Sander. Also surviving are nieces and nephews, Shirley (Jasper) Davis, Ruby Valejo, Carlos Browning, Penny Price, and Diane Perfater, all of Virginia, Danny Moore, and Bonnie Moore Leffman, Oakland, CA, Douglas Peden, OK. Randy lived life to the fullest, listened and laughed often. He always seemed bigger than life as he was the center of his family, taught his sons about farming, hardwork and how to take care of cars. He loved to take his grandchildren to church and on camping trips to the river. The entire family was fortunate enough to enjoy vacations to Nags Head and cookouts and dinners on the farm and the river. Randy also enjoyed taking walks with his beloved “Nel” and numerous dogs, especially his favorite collie “Laddie”. Recently his granddaughters were saying they remembered him as such “a big man” because of his stature. He will always be “a big man” in our hearts. Special thanks to Intrepid Hospice for their care, Rhonda, Jacqui, and Barbara were our Angels. Also we hold much appreciation for Kerry, George and the staff of Kroger Pharmacy on University Boulevard. Funeral services will be held Thursday, February 6, 2014 at 2:00 pm in the New Mt Zion Lutheran Church with Pastor Richard Bansemer officiating. Interment will follow in the New Mt. Zion Lutheran Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church. Arrangements by McCoy Funeral Home, Blacksburg.