Johnston County’s Water Treatment Plant has officially been renamed the Timothy G. Broome Water Treatment Plant. Broome served as the Director of Johnston County Public Utilities from 1997 until his retirement in 2013. Afterwards, he remained employed as a part-time consultant with the County. He passed away on March 31st at the age of 75.
Mr. Broome helped spearhead efforts to develop the countywide water system and update the water, sewer and solid waste infrastructure. He oversaw the original design and subsequent expansions and improvements of the Johnston County Water Treatment Plant.
“I first met Tim in the late 70’s while serving as a Town Commissioner in Pine Level,” stated Johnston County Commissioner Tony Braswell. “The town was installing a sewer system that would connect to the county’s system. We quickly became friends and I admired his knowledge and work ethics. At the county he was perfect as Public Utilities director, even disposition, and the smile on his face, but could be firm when he had to be. I believe there are individuals that leave an everlasting effect on one’s life, and Tim was one of those individuals to me. I will miss him and I am glad he considered me as a friend.”
“Soon after becoming a county commissioner in 2012, I quickly learned to admire and respect Tim Broome as Director of our Utilities Department,” said Ted Godwin, Chairman of the Johnston County Board of Commissioners. “His knowledge and experience and his technical abilities were a tremendous asset to the county. I remember being extremely disappointed when he announced his planned retirement. But he spoke highly of his backup team, which is another testament to his commitment to the county. We will all miss him.”
County Manager Rick Hester worked with Mr. Broome for more than two decades. “I am so thankful that I had the opportunity to work closely with Tim for more than 25 years. He was an outstanding engineer, and most importantly he was a great man. We all had – and still have – the greatest respect for Tim Broome.”
Commissioners adopted a Resolution at their April 1st meeting renaming the water treatment plant. A copy was presented to several of Mr. Broome’s family members who were in attendance of the meeting.
Funeral services for Mr. Broome were held on April 3rd. He is survived by his wife of 24 years, Sandra Gurley Broome; son, Timothy Daniel Broome of Smithfield; daughter, Angela Broome Fortier and husband Bill of Knightdale; brother, O. Whitfield Broome, Jr. of Charlottesville, VA: grandson, Jeffrey Michael Hare; former wife, Phyllis Cook Broome of Knightdale; special nephew, Jeffrey Littleton of Micro; special niece, Mary Sandra Hall of Pine Level; and his beloved dogs, Dakota, Dillon, and Daphne.
