John H. Broome -COCHRAN - John H. Broome, age 87, died Saturday at his residence. Funeral services are Tuesday at 11A.M. in the Roddy Baptist Church. Burial is in the Macon Memorial Park at 2:30 P.M. Tuesday. Mr. Broome was born in Bibb County and had lived in Dodge County for 60 years. He was a civil servant and an entrepreneur. While working at Robins Air Force Base, he started a small concrete business with his two sons. making picnic tables, flower pots, bird baths, sitting benches, stepping stones and other products that are in yards and roadside parks. all over middle and south Georgia. After leaving his job at the base. he farmed with his son Grant for nearly 20 years. adopting innovative farming techniques that led to his recognition as Conservation Man of the Year in Dodge County. In the late 1980's, he joined his daughter Candis in her concrete business in Atlanta, installing slabs, sidewalks. and basements for new housing developments. In addition to his many work-related pursuits, he was also known as an avid jogger and road race runner. He was a member of Roddy Baptist Church since 1950, where he served in several leadership positions, including Sunday School Superintendent and RA leader. He was preceded in death by his parents, John Howard Broome, Sr. and Aileen Smith Broome. The following eulogy was delivered at the church service by his son Benjamin. on behalf of the family: More than professional titles and physical possessions. John Broome left as his legacy a set of qualities that provide lessons for every person. In his 87 years walking the earth, he overcame many hardships and adversities, setting an example of how a strong work ethic, discipline, and determination can help one realize their dreams despite the obstacles that stand in the way. His quiet, unassuming compassion for the less fortunate meant that he sometimes did without so that others could have what they needed. He exhibited a strong reverence for the earth. treating it with great care and respect. adopting land management and forestry techniques that favored a long-term view over short-term gains. And perhaps most impressive of all, he had the courage to change when circumstances required. This last quality allowed him to leave a secure job in the prime of his life for the uncertainties of farming. and when he realized that he was engaged in unhealthy dietary and exercise habits. he set them aside and developed new patterns of behavior dropping addiction to cigarettes after his first child was born, taking up jogging and walking so he could live to see his grandchildren, and changing his eating habits when he saw how his diet was damaging his body. In these and other ways, John Broome was an exemplar for his family and his community. -Survivors are his wife; children; sister and brothers; grandchildren. -Memorials may be made to the Roddy Baptist Church, 1550 Empire-Chester Highway, Cochran, GA 31014, Gideons International or the donor's charity of choice. -The family is at and will greet friends from 6:00 until 8:00 P.M. Monday at Mathis Funeral Home.