Lemuel R. “Buck” Broome, Jr., 94, of Salem, was welcomed by a marching band at the Pearly Gates on Thursday, August 5. Born in Charlottesville, Virginia, on August 4, 1927, to Lemuel Redmond Broome, Sr., and Dorothy Houchens Broome, both of whom precede him, he was also preceded in death by sisters, Betty Renshaw and Sally Kirby, as well as a brother-in-law, Rev. Wallace Kirby.
Buck was an iconic part of Salem’s downtown community. With his beloved red wagon in tow and no matter the weather, he collected newspapers and other recyclables from neighbors and downtown merchants as a service to his friends. He popped in daily to visit friends at Mill Mountain Coffee & Tea, Barker Realty and various other stops along his route. Buck was a faithful volunteer for Meals on Wheels for over 40 years in both Salem and Fremont, North Carolina, and served as a Captain with the Fremont Volunteer Fire Department. Buck was loved by many in both communities.
Those left to cherish his memory are his sister, Barbara (George) Bell, of Salem; numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and many, many friends.
A graveside service was held on Monday, August 9, at Elmwood Cemetery in Fremont, North Carolina. A locally held service to celebrate Buck’s life is being planned for later in September; details to come can be found at www.johnmoakey.com.
In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes memorial donations to Calvary Baptist Church, 7th St., Salem, VA 24153, or to the Salem Rescue Squad, 201 S. Broad St., Salem, VA 24153.