Robert R. "Bobby" Broyles

Robert Remine “Bobby” Broyles, 94, of Chuckey, Tennessee, passed away peacefully at his home on September 6, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

Bobby was born September 21, 1931, in Greeneville, Tennessee, the only child of Robert Remine Broyles, Sr. and Nebraska Williamson Broyles. A lifelong resident of Chuckey, he was the seventh generation of the Broyles family to call the community home. His family’s roots in Greene County date back to early settlement time approximately 1780. Bobby was deeply proud of his Chuckey heritage and had a lifelong love of local history, preserving the past by sharing stories and collecting photographs and artifacts.

Bobby was a lifelong farmer, educator, coach, and devoted member of his community. He grew up working on the family farm along the Nolichuckey River, where the Broyles’ family raised tobacco, beef and dairy cattle, corn, wheat, soybeans, watermelons, cantaloupe, and strawberries. The family’s strawberry crop was special to Bobby. His father began growing and selling strawberries in 1962, and Bobby continued the tradition for many years. He kept the price at $2 a gallon because, as he often said, he wanted to help people. He especially enjoyed watching families come from throughout the area to pick their own berries and would tell them they could pick under one condition: “that you eat as many as you can while you’re out there, and round off your buckets.” Bobby and Mariedith enjoyed getting into their truck, and gifting berries to family and friends throughout the area.

Bobby was a lifelong member of Chuckey Methodist Church, where he served in numerous leadership roles and taught Sunday School. Bobby often spoke fondly of how much his father loved Decoration and Homecoming - when old friends and family returned to remember, visit, and celebrate those they loved - and he looked forward to these throughout his own life.

Bobby graduated from Chuckey High School in 1949, East Tennessee State University in 1953, where he also played baseball, University of Tennessee 1955, and Union College 1973, ending up with a B.S. and Master’s Degree in Education. He began his teaching and coaching career in 1955 at Chuckey High School. At the request of Howard McNeese, Greene County Superintendent at the time, Bobby was chosen to combine the two fierce rival schools, Chuckey High School and Doak High School because Mr. McNeese wanted a smooth transition into the newly built Chuckey-Doak High School in 1959. He knew Bobby was the perfect person for this because of his charisma and charm. There, he taught Health and Physical Education, English and Drivers’ Education and coached both the girls’ and boys’ basketball teams.

Bobby was a student of the game of basketball and kept extensive notebooks filled with strategies, statistics, notes, and plays. He possessed a tremendous knowledge of the game and a keen understanding of what it took to win. Yet, those who knew him best believe his greatest gift as a coach was his ability to build relationships. His players were important to him long after their playing days were over, and many remained lifelong friends.

He later continued his teaching and coaching career at South Greene High School and also taught at North Greene High School. In recognition of his outstanding coaching career and lasting impact on Tennessee high school athletics, Bobby was inducted into the Knights of Legend in 2009 and TSSAA Hall of Fame in 2026.

Away from school and the basketball court, Bobby enjoyed hunting quail with his beloved bird dogs. While attending ETSU with his lifelong friend and roommate, Ken Bailey, Sr., they kept a bird dog in their dorm for a period of time. Another time, Bobby bought a bird dog while in Murfreesboro during the State Basketball Tournament and brought it back on the bus. He especially treasured hunting trips with friends and fellow coaches, including Jack Kilday, Ray “Teedee” Maupin, and Dwight Renner.

He was also known for his wonderful sense of humor and his love of practical jokes. Bobby enjoyed teasing friends, coaches, and even referees; he believed there was always room for a little laughter.

Above all, Bobby loved his family. In his later years, he especially enjoyed watching his grandchildren, Jake and Cooper, play basketball. “Pap” attended their games whenever he could and loved bringing them into the living room to teach them the game, just as he had done with his own children and generations of players.

Bobby will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, teacher, coach, farmer, storyteller, and friend. His influence reached far beyond the classroom and basketball court. His stories, humor, faith, generosity, and love for Chuckey and its people will be remembered by generations to come.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Mariedith Cutshall Broyles; his children and their spouses, Sam and Autumn Broyles, Steven and Carrie Broyles, Kelly Johnson and Eric Lineberger, and Lisa Broyles all of Chuckey; and his grandchildren, Jake and Cooper Broyles of Chuckey, Kylie Malone of Chuckey, and Leigha Johnson of Greensboro. Special cousins, Sara and Bob Fly and family, Eddie Remine and family, Sam King Broyles and family, Williamson family and several other cousins.

Bobby was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Robert Remine Broyles, Sr. and Nebraska Williamson Broyles and his son Robert “Robby” Remine Broyles III.

The family will receive friends Saturday, September 12, 2026 from 1-3 and 5-8 pm at Chuckey-Doak Middle School (Old Chuckey-Doak High School). The funeral will be held Sunday, September 13, 2026 at Chuckey Methodist Church at 2 pm with Brother Paul Winchester and Randall Emmert officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. Active pallbearers will be John Carter, Paul Whaley, John Brown, Roger Woolsey, Jerome Woolsey, Jeff Renner, Paul Maupin, Mike Reed and Ronnie Carter.

Honorary pallbearers will be Sam Dobson, Eddie Dobson, Joe Williams, Kenny Ray, Eddie Remine, Larry McNeese, Harry Thomas, Harrison Rollins, Craig Woods, and all of Coach Broyles’ former players.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Chuckey Methodist Church in care of Shirley Brown, 42 Wintergreen Ave, Greeneville, TN. 37743.

Thoughts and memories may be shared with the family at www.jeffersmortuary.com