Opie Award McBroom

During his service in the United States Air Force, Opie learned air traffic control which would become his lifelong career. Initially working for the Federal Aviation Administration as a controller in Kansas City, MO, he was later transferred to Aurora, IL to work the Great Lakes region and O'Hare airport. It was in IL that Linda, Jan, and Melanie grew up, and Amanda was born. He retired from the FAA in 1984 after 30 years of service. A few years afterward, he made plans for warmer weather and moved back to Missouri, residing on a farm where he enjoyed nature and the wide-open spaces. Once Amanda was out of college, she began a career in North Carolina. Opie, being an adventurer, went with and made his home in Cary, NC, which became his final resting place.

Opie enjoyed many hobbies throughout his lifetime. He loved airplanes. He received his pilot’s license and bought a Cessna airplane. The family enjoyed going on small trips with him. He also enjoyed fast pitch softball. He played with local town teams and had one of the fastest pitches in the league. Horses were another love, and over the years Opie raised and rode many Tennessee Walkers. He loved to fish, and once the grandchildren started coming, he enjoyed teaching them how to fish. Spending time with family was one of his greatest joys. His joy grew even more when grandchildren began to arrive.

Opie is survived by his children Linda (Ernie), Janis (Jim), Melanie (Jeff), Amanda (Justin), and by Amanda's mother Joan. Grandchildren include Pam (Joe), Mike (Sarah), Cari (Kris), Kristi (Yader), Ryan (Liz), Brittany, Aila, and Teagan. He is survived by two siblings: Pat (Don) and Ricky (Pam). Great-grandchildren are Lindsay, Logan, Brennan, Brady, Chloe, David (Gisell), Daniel, and Meadow; and two wonderful great-great-grandchildren Hayden and Saúl. He has many nieces and nephews he loved.

He was preceded in death by his parents; by son Roger Dale; and by siblings Shelby Jean, Shirley, JE, and Esther. He was also preceded in death by Linda, Jan, and Melanie's mother: Meta Louise.

A Celebration of Life was held Saturday, July 24, 2021 in Plano, IL at the Lakewood Springs Club Clubhouse at 1001 Wilbe Street from 1 - 4 pm, open house style. A service and interment of ashes will be held at Raleigh Memorial Park in Raleigh, NC on Saturday, June 11, 2022 at 10 am. The graveside service will be recorded and posted to this memorial page afterwards for those unable to attend.

Opie was a staunch supporter of education. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his honor would be welcome to any educational program or literacy organization.

If you would like to leave a favorite memory/story of Opie or a message of condolence to his family, you may do so below within "add a memory".