George Clay Broughton

George Clay Broughton Jr., 87, of New Madrid, Missouri passed away May 24, 2025 peacefully at home

George was born September 14, 1937, in Cape Girardeau, MO to the late George Clay Sr and Hallie Craven Broughton.

On April 19, 1975 he married Peggy Beaher Broughton who survives of their home.

He was a member of the American Legion Post 595 and served as the Sergeant of Arms.

He was a parishioner of the Immaculate Conception Church of New Madrid, MO.

He retired from Associated Electric in 2001.

He was an avid gardener and knew the secret to growing the biggest tomatoes, sweetest blackberries, and the brightest sunflowers.

One of his favorite hobbies was taking a ride to the Mississippi River front to document names of passing tow boats in his journal. He kept his binoculars in his truck or close to a window just in case he saw an interesting bird.

As a young kid, George wanted to be a veterinarian and ended up raising cattle, horses, chickens and roosters in his adulthood.

George was a socialite, a Cardinal baseball fan, enjoyed a cold Miller High Life, George Jones on the jukebox, and manned a grill with such grace that he won competitions in Memphis, TN with his friends for years.

He answered to George, but also went by many other names: GC, Georgie, Daddy, Papa, to name a few. He was a brother, father, grandfather, husband, uncle, cousin, and good friend.

He leaves behind a void that will be felt for many years to come, especially by his children. They say that one of their favorite things about him is how it seemed like he had all the answers. “ Go ask daddy” was a well-used phrase in their home. 

George was known as a “legend of his own time” among his family and friends due to his ability to tell a story like no other. His kids remember hanging on to his every word and asking him to tell the same tales over and over because they were just that good coming from him. Laughter filling every corner of the room. Their friends told them  on more than one occasion that they should be “recording this.”

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter Ruth Ella Broughton and his brothers Johnny and Tommy Broughton.

Survivors include one son and four daughters: George “Boo” Clay Broughton III (Kim) of New Madrid; Tracey Albright (Todd) of New Madrid; Tommie Ann Gatlin (Michael) of Hernando, Mississippi; Tammy Phillips of New Madrid; and Amber Courtois (Joe) of New Madrid.

He also leaves behind three sisters and three brothers: Ella LaValle of New Madrid, Christie Broughton of Kelso, Martha Ann Farrenburg (Timmy) of Farrenburg, Joe Broughton (Connie) of Sikeston, Calvin Broughton (Mary Beth) of Jefferson City, and Mark Broughton (Dottie) of New Madrid.

He was proud of his nine grandchildren: Austin Broughton, Broughton Fisher, Logan Broughton (Taylor), Julian Courtois, Madison Phillips, and Ella Kate Courtois, all of New Madrid; Jim Clay Gatlin of Hernando, MS; Carly Phillips of Nashville, TN, and Lexi Phillips of Atlanta, GA.

He also had three great- grandchildren who brought him so much joy: Jagger Beck Malley of Nashville, TN, Falynn Shea Broughton of Sikeston, and Wells Andrew Broughton of New Madrid.

Among those he held especially close to his heart were his favorite first cousin -who is more like a brother - James H Cravens, and his oldest and dearest friend, Tommy “Booger” Sides. His friends made sure he got to see the inside of his favorite hangout - The Legion- at least 2 times a week, even when he couldn’t drive his truck himself anymore, someone was always there to take him the few miles to cold beer, laughs and conversation among the regulars. He also leaves behind many beloved nieces, nephews and cousins.

Visitation will be Wednesday May 28, 2025 5:00pm to 8:00pm at Richards Funeral Home. 

Funeral Service will be Thursday May 29, 2025 at 11:00 am at Immaculate Conception Church in New Madrid, Mo with Fr Suresh Samala officiating.

Burial will follow at Evergreen Cemetery in New Madrid.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to St Jude Childrens Research Hospital or to the Immaculate Conception Church in New Madrid in George’s name.

Pallbearers are Austin Broughton, Broughton Fisher, Jim Clay Gatlin, Logan Broughton, Julian Courtois, and Tommy Sides.

Honorary Pallbearers: Wendell Thompson, Tony Jones, Jimmy Cravens, Beth Fowler, Jim Cravens, Toni Lynne Lawfield, Wub Riley, Laura Frye, Lee Hunter, Kendra Gregg, Nick White, Vanessa Haas, Danny Baehr, Todd Albright, Joe Courtois, Richard Phillips, Butch Lawfield, Michael Gatlin, Jim Mills, Grady Wilford, Kenny Joe Schaeffer, Mickey Abney, John Gregory Delisle, and Terry Hadder.