Maxie L. Broaddus

Maxie L. Broaddus, 49 of Sparta passed away unexpectedly Thursday, Dec. 31, 2015. A lifelong resident of Caroline, Maxie spent his entire life farming the land in and around his native county. After his father’s death, when Maxie was 16, he dedicated his life to hard, physical labor and had a work ethic that only increased up until the time of his death. At his untimely passing, Maxie had grown his business and land holdings, making him one of the largest farmers in Virginia. He had recently restored historic Paynefield Farm in Essex County and opened it to friends and family from around the area as a place to have weddings and other events. Maxie had a soft spot in his heart for children. That and his love of truck and tractor pulls led him to build a monster truck known as “Walking Tall.” He donated his time and talent to numerous children’s events and festivals and competed along the east coast in monster truck competitions. His motto was “It’s all about the kids.” He was a respected farmer, businessman, role model and friend to so many. Survivors include his daughters, Mindy Broaddus (Jimmy Parker) of Aylett; Jessica Broaddus of Essex and Danni Broaddus of Essex; his mother, Pat Holmes of Sparta; his brother, Mike Broaddus of Sparta; his half-brother, Leo Mitchell of Utah; his grandsons, Weston James and Owen Wade Parker and his aunts, Mary Scott Haley (Tom) and Jackie Dean (Arthur). A memorial service celebrating his life will be held Saturday, Jan. 9 at 2 p.m. in the Farm Bureau Center at Meadow Event Park, Doswell, with the Rev. Kevin James officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Children’s Cancer Association, 1200 NW Naito Parkway, Suite 140, Portland, Ore. 97209 or the American Heart Association, 4217 Park Place Court, Glen Allen, Va. 23060. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.storkefuneralhome.com.