Whether as a 7th grader, left, or accepting
an honor at UVA. Associates describe
him as a ‘True Southern Gentleman.”

It is clear that Norris Broyles has never lost his fun-loving ways, which he demonstrated in many ways while a student at his beloved University of Virginia. He was a member of Eli Banana, IMP and Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity. When he wasn't playing in his band, Bunny Broyles and the Boogie Beaters, he was with the swim team, which practiced in the nude. Imagine his surprise when he showed up late one day and ran out to the pool, only to discover that a swim meet was in progress and he was seriously underdressed.

Golfers, l-r: Harry Howard, Norris, Bill Hatcher and A. B. Martin.

â?oeIf you look up the definition of â?~true southern gentleman' you will see the name Norris Broyles,â?? says business associate Doug Aldridge. â?oeI'll always remember his Christmas card that has fabulous picture of Norris and Shirley sitting at a table outdoors in Africa with two giant elephants directly behind them joining them for lunch. Every time I look at it (it is framed in our living room) I think â?~There is a guy who really loves life.'â??

Barrett Howell claims, â?oeOne of the luckiest things to happen to me was when Norris Broyles came to live across the street from me. He has been my good friend, constant companion and a joy ever since â?" and that's been for nearly 75 years.â??

Other long-time friends, Carol and John Bitter, say Norris is always a delight.. â?oeWhen we first moved to Atlanta we were constantly asking him for advice on various services to use. He was so helpful in giving great ideas that we suggested he should write a guide to Atlanta and call it â?~Ask Mr. Broyles.' â??

Harry Howard also cherishes Norris' friendship. â?oeHe epitomizes those qualities that one cherishes in a friend. He is loyal and accepting of others' shortcomings, good natured and enthusiastic under all (well, almost all) circumstances. When I arrived in Atlanta in 1953, he recognized this small town boy would need a lot of help in getting acclimated to the city's ways. He took me under his wing and his guidance has been invaluable. Plus he was my first client, which really was a leap of faith!â??

â?oeHe is fun to be with,â?? says Peggy Martin. â?oeYou can always leave the details to Norris and things are handled with ease. A people person, fun to be with. My very good friend with always time to lend.â??

Long-time playmate George Chase laughs when he recalls the time Norris dressed up as President â?oeSlick Willieâ?? and pulled out a cigar to the great delight of all on hand.

The Bradshaws of Hilton Head look forward to get-togethers with the Broyles and their families. â?oeI know that his life has not been the same since 20-plus years ago when I sat down with him and Sally for a drink at the beach lagoon house,â?? Jim says. â?oeAfter we left, Norris described the scene as if a tornado had blown through his porch.â??

Anne Compton Marrisette, whose late husband Tommy Compton was in the Naval Reserves with Norris, says, â?oeNorris is one of the best friends we ever had and we feel so close to him. Norris has been a true friend through the many years and could never be replaced by anyone.â??

Frances Zimmerman, a cousin from Augusta, was Norris' first babysitter when she visited her grandparents. â?oeHe would coo, with eyes wide open and would soon fall sound asleep. Now he is our world traveler. â?oeMr. Go Goâ?? is a changed man with his eyes wide open every day and night. He rides elephants and wants to rock around the clock!â??

Norris shares love of travel with his sister, Bert McDaniel, who is in the travel agency business. He is seven years older and, growing up, she says, â?oeMother said she would leave the dinner table many a time practically crying because the two of us never spoke. Because of the age difference we had zero in common to talk about. However, we are great pals now talk lots about travel! He not only likes to travel, but he loves planning for the trip.â??

His children recognize his fun-loving side as well. â?oeI admire his love for being a fun party animal,â?? says his son Norris. â?oeDad can hold his liquor better than anyone I know!â?? But their respect goes deeper than that. â?oeDad was always trying to teach us to be honorable people, do good for others, and to give it our best and not give up. I can't count the number of times I wanted to quit something because it was tough or going badly and I held fast knowing that I wasn't going to fail for having quit.â?? Norris says he was always inspired by his father's prominence in his profession and his leadership in community activities. And he also says, â?oeI respect him for his devotion and dedication to his family and friends.â??

His son Ed says, â?oeDad has always been a great support for his friends and family. He is always willing to help in a time of need.â??

Nancy Broyles James, his daughter, agrees that her father was devoted to his family, but acknowledges he has another love. â?oeOther than his family, I think what is nearest and dearest to Dad's heart is the University of Virginia. Dad, who has been truly blessed with three lovely brides, met each of these women while living in Charlottesville. He has remained a committed alumnus serving on the College Board of Arts and Sciences and they have honored his service with an induction into Omicron Delta Kappa leadership society and the Raven Society. He has always stressed the value of education to his children. I think that Ed, Norris and I have all have benefited greatly from the very fine education that he has provided us and for that I am extremely grateful.â??

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