Jonathan Thomas "Mr. B" Broughton

Jonathan Thomas Broughton, 69, of Florence, passed away peacefully at home on April 27, 2026.

Jon was born in Boston, Massachusetts, to Donald Broughton and Elizabeth Dunn Broughton. After graduating from high school, he attended North Georgia College, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Political Science with a minor in History. Upon graduating in 1979, he was commissioned as an officer in the United States Army. He faithfully served 12 years on active duty and 2 years in the United States Army Reserve. After attaining the rank of Captain, he concluded his military service and began a new chapter of 32 years in full-time Christian ministry. He later earned a master’s degree in Educational Administration from Pensacola Christian College in 2004, and was ordained to the ministry at Harvest Baptist Church in Acworth, Georgia, in 2005.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Donald Broughton and Elizabeth Dunn Broughton. He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Alechia Broughton; his five children, Rebekah (John) Chard, Hannah (James) Page, Sarah (Rodney) Freidank, Deborah (Marc) Phillips, and David (Catherine) Broughton; his eight grandchildren, Kaytlynn Chard, Brooklynn Chard, Madeline Page, Abigail Freidank, Levi Chard, Alechia Jeanne Freidank, Emmalene Page, and Charlotte Phillips; his siblings, Chris Broughton, Jan Reynolds, and Carolyn Prickett; his father's wife, Susan Olson; and several nieces and nephews.

He was a man of character, compassion, and quiet strength. The focus of his life was his faith, his family, and service to others. Everything he did was marked by humility, kindness, and a genuine love for people. He lived not for recognition or praise, but for the joy of doing what was right. He loved caring well for those around him, and his life was a steady example of integrity and grace.

He accepted Christ as his Savior in 1983, and from that moment forward, his life was never the same. His faith became the foundation for all that he did. It shaped the way he loved and served, and enabled him to endure hardship with courage and peace. Even in the midst of dark and difficult days, his faith remained strong and secure, never wavering. It was his relationship with the Lord that made him a man of quiet strength, unchanging character, and steadfast hope.

His family was the greatest joy of his life. His wife, Alechia, whom he lovingly referred to as “honey,” was truly his person and the love of his life. Their bond was marked by devotion, tenderness, and faithfulness. He considered his children to be his greatest accomplishment and took immense pride in each of them. Becoming “Papa” to his eight grandchildren was one of the sweetest blessings of his life. Nothing brought a bigger smile to his face than talking about them, spending time with them, and watching them grow. It was nearly impossible to have a conversation with him without hearing stories of his children and grandchildren, because they were always close to his heart. His love for his family was constant and deeply felt.

He gave his life selflessly in service to others. He first served his country with honor, and then continued a lifetime of service as a teacher, Christian school administrator, and associate pastor, where he was always affectionately known as "Mr. B." In every role, he was faithful to look for opportunities to make a difference in the lives of others. As a teacher, he was loved by his students, who were drawn not only to his knowledge, but to the joy and enthusiasm he brought to the classroom. His passion for history made learning come alive, and the lessons he taught reached far beyond textbooks. As an administrator, he led with humility, wisdom, and compassion. He encouraged others, believed in people, and quietly helped carry burdens that were not his own. As an associate pastor, he cared deeply for others, always offering wisdom, companionship, and Christlike love.

He found great joy in life’s simple pleasures. He loved to read and could spend hours lost in the pages of a book, especially one about American history. Over the years, he accumulated an impressive knowledge of politics and presidential history. He never passed up the chance to watch or talk about baseball and was a devoted fan of the Atlanta Braves. A good burger was one of his very favorite foods and something he'd choose over almost anything else. He especially loved cruises—his favorite way to travel—and always looked forward to the next one. He loved sitting on the balcony with a good book and enjoying the beauty of the ocean. These simple pleasures reflected his joyful spirit and gentle nature, and were part of the warmth and charm that made him so easy to love.

He was known for his servant’s heart and his gentle spirit—for the way he always made people feel seen, valued, and loved. His legacy is not merely in the positions he held, but in the countless lives he touched through his service, leadership, and care for others. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who had the blessing of knowing him.

The family will receive friends at Calcutt-Dowling Funeral Home on Wednesday, April 29, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. A memorial service will be held at First Free Will Baptist Church in Florence on Thursday, April 30, at 1:30 p.m. A private burial will take place at the family cemetery in Big Rock, Tennessee.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made in his memory to First Free Will Baptist Church’s Benevolence Fund. Donations may be made online or by mailing a check to 2624 W. Palmetto Street, Florence, SC, 29501.

“For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.”

Psalm 100:5