Mr. Eddie D. Broughton, 68, of Cannon, passed away Thursday evening, September 24, 2026 at his home. He was the son of the late John and Mable Partin Broughton born June 12, 1958 in Barbourville.
Eddie Broughton lived a life that defied the odds—one filled with hard work, music, laughter, and, above all, a deep love for his family. From an early age, Eddie faced serious health challenges, and his family once feared he would not survive childhood. His mother even named her next son after him, leaving the family with two Eddie Broughtons and a story that would be told for generations. Eddie proved those early expectations wrong and went on to live a full and meaningful life.
Eddie spent his life working hard to provide for his family. He began in the coal mines, but was a businessman at heart. He started his first company called Eddie’s Wholesale and also ventured into the fireworks business. He later opened Tri-State Satellite, selling and installing DISH Network and DIRECTV systems throughout the area. When his health declined, he closed his business and joined the school system, working in the maintenance department.
Music was Eddie’s greatest passion. A self-taught musician, he played guitar, bass guitar, steel guitar, drums, and he loved to sing. He performed with his brothers and with groups including the 3rd Century Band and Mustang Mavericks. His love of music eventually led him to church, where he sang and played with Victory Bound.
Above everything else, Eddie loved his family. He married his wife, Earslene, on November 4, 1978, and was devoted to her and their sons, Jonathan and Keith. When his grandson, Braxton, came along, he became the center of Eddie’s world. Being Braxton’s Papaw was one of the greatest joys of his life.
Although Eddie was quiet and reserved, those who knew him knew his sense of humor was never far away. He enjoyed a good joke, loved cutting up with those closest to him, and had a way of making people laugh when they least expected it. He didn’t have to say much to make his presence known—a smile, a look, or a well-timed comment was often all it took.
Eddie was given a life that many feared would be short, and he made those years count. He filled them with family, hard work, music, faith, laughter, and memories. He leaves behind the story of a husband, father, grandfather, brother, businessman, musician, and friend—a quiet man with a warm smile and a joyful spirit who loved deeply, laughed often, and brought happiness to the lives of those around him.
In addition to his parents and wife, Earslene, he was preceded in death by his siblings, Connie Harris, Geraldine Burns, Goldie Jackson, Thelma Martin, Kathy Broughton, Wayne Broughton and Russell Broughton and infant sister, Joanna Broughton.Survivors include his loving sons, Keith Broughton and wife, Brenda, of Barbourville and Jonathan Broughton of Cannon; brothers, Eddie Arnold Broughton and wife, Glenna, of Ocala, FL, Kenneth Broughton and wife, Vernie, of Taylor, MI, Danny Broughton and wife, Rosemary, of Barbourville, Johnny Broughton and wife, Sudie, of Barbourville and Teddy Broughton and wife, Sherry, of Mackey Bend; cherished grandson, Braxton Broughton; among other loved ones and dear friends.
His funeral service will be conducted in the chapel of the Knox Funeral Home Friday, October 2 at 4 P.M. with Rev. Mike Collins and Rev. James McDonald officiating. He will be entombed in the Barbourville Cemetery.
Casket bearers will be family and friends.
Friends may visit at the funeral home Thursday between 6 and 8 P.M. and Friday after 2 P.M. until the funeral hour.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Knox Funeral Home.
