Ben Broom, a long-time resident of Picayune, passed away at Wesley Medical Center in Hattiesburg on February 8, 2009 at the age of 92.

Mr. Broom was employed by the Picayune Post Office for over 36 years and was a founding member and original deacon of Mt. Calvary Baptist Church in Picayune. Approximately 25 years ago after his retirement, he moved to Hattiesburg to be nearer family.

He was well known at Wesley Medical Center where he served as a friendly volunteer for over 20 years. Wesley now annually gives an award named “The Ben Broom Volunteer of the Year Award” to that year’s outstanding volunteer. Even after suffering a debilitating stroke in October of 2005 and losing his beloved wife of 67 years, Eva, in December of 2005, Mr. Broom never lost his love of people or his sense of humor. During the last three years of his life in the Bedford Care Center Mr. Broom would frequently be told by a visitor, “You look good, Ben” to which he would most often reply with a wry smile, “Looks never were my problem”. He leaves a legacy of love and laughter and many friends at Bedford.

Mr. Broom was a veteran of World War II and was awarded the Bronze Star for his actions during the Battle of the Bulge in 1944.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Eva, his mother and father and 12 siblings.

He is survived by: three children, Linda (Glen) Adcox of Hattiesburg; Greg (Jan) of Brandon; and Lowell (Redonda) of Birmingham, Ala.; eight grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren.

His many friends and family will miss him dearly, but are thrilled to know that he is with his beloved life partner and his Lord now and forever. Heaven will never be the same.