June 10, 1932 – December 9, 2019
John Ray Broxson, 87, left this earthly life at 12:06 pm on December 9, 2019, after a long and interesting life. John is survived by his wife of 65 years, Christina C. Broxson and four children, Sylvia Broxson Shepard (Scott Shepard), John Robert (Bob) Broxson (Robin C. Broxson), Chery Broxson Gradone (John Paul Gradone), Bart James Broxson (Dayna Bailey Broxson) and Rick Strange. John is also survived by fifteen grandchildren, Carmen Gradone Bailey, Emily Shepard Smith, John Paul Gradone, Stacey Shepard Kang, John (Theo) Broxson, Pierce Gradone, Elizabeth Strange, Kelsey Shepard, Bart J. Broxson, Jr., Claire Broxson Frisby, Eleanor Gradone Walker, Andrew Broxson, Daniel Strange, Gina Gradone Napoli, and Gerrod Broxson. John is also survived by thirteen Great Grandchildren, Adeline, William, Emily and Corban Bailey; Ryan, Gavin and Declan Smith; Liliana Gradone; Moses and Jonah Kang; Harrison Frisby; Kylie Broxson and Everlee Lowe Broxson. He is also survived by siblings Altha Broxson Sullivan, Annice Broxson Webb, Patricia Broxson Norwood and Douglas Broxson.
John is preceded in death by his daughter Angela Broxson Strange, his parents, Bart D. and Annie Gordon Broxson, and his siblings Doris Broxson McGowen, Gwyndol Broxson, Donald Broxson, Gretchen Broxson Merritt, Barbara Broxson Morin and Timothy Broxson.
Born in Holley, Florida, John was the fifth of eleven children. He attended Southwestern Assemblies of God College and graduated in 1954, the first in his family to complete a college degree. He later earned a Masters in Educational Leadership from the University of West Florida. After graduation from Southwestern, he was married to Christina Cissna, and they began life together in ministry, first as a missionary, then as assistant pastor to his father in law in Tulsa, followed by pastorates in Warrior and Birmingham, Alabama. Following his father’s death In December of 1959, the Governor of Florida appointed John, then 27, to complete the term of his father as Sheriff of Santa Rosa County. At that time, John was the youngest Sheriff in the country. This experience launched a new life in politics for John, which included terms in the State House of Representatives, State Senate, followed by a term on the Santa Rosa County Commission, where he spent his last year as Chairman. As a legislator, and community leader John was instrumental in the founding of the University of West Florida, and the Tiger Bay Club, two of his proudest accomplishments. Along with his political accomplishments, John was also a successful business man in the insurance and real estate business.
John Broxson loved his entire family, and his love extended to two and three generations of family, along with a multitude of friends. He loved to give big hugs, speak Spanish, write poetry and recount the history of our family and the area, and he always had an interesting tale. John was an avid golfer, and at the age of 71, in his last round of golf, shot his age, a special accomplishment.
Visitation will Tuesday, December 17, be from 4 to 6 pm at Bayview Fisher-Pou Chapel, 3351 Scenic Highway, Pensacola 32503
Funeral Services will be held at 11 am on Wednesday, December 18, 2019, Coastline Calvary Chapel, 1122 Oriole Beach Road, Gulf Breeze, FL 32563. Interment will follow the service at Bayview Memorial Park.
Mrs. Broxson and her family would also like to thank John’s caregivers, Cassandra Posey and Janice Anderson, as well as Covenant Home Healthcare and Covenant Hospice, and Anita Westafer MD. & her staff for their professional care.
Bayview Fisher-Pou Chapel is entrusted with arrangements. Condolences may be offered at www.bayviewfisher-pouchapel.com.
