Herbert L. Broadwater Jr., a former pastor at Hixson Presbyterian Church and later the founder and president of the Hixson investment firm Monarch Financial, died peacefully on December 17 at his home on Big Ridge in Hixson. He was 81.

As a pastor Herb was influenced by the Reformed doctrine that was a part of the education he received at Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia. A friend observed that Herb appreciated the perspectives of those who espoused Reformed beliefs and its impact on the culture. He also valued "the Augustinian perspective of the 'two cities' — one of the world and one of heaven."

Coincidentally, his faith undergirded his sensitive spirit; his good nature enriched the many close friendships he developed — which "led to the breadth of loss with his passing."

Herb was born on August 14, 1942 in Canton, Ohio, the only child of Herbert and Sarah Broadwater. His mother was a homemaker and his father worked for the Diebold Company, which involved numerous moves. After his father was transferred to Miami, Florida, Herb graduated from Coral Gables High School in 1960.

In high school Herb complemented his academic achievements with a talent for music. When he and several friends formed a successful band, "The Prowlers," Herb was its drummer. He was also an accomplished trumpeter, and developed lifelong interest in jazz, especially the Dave Brubeck Trio, Ella Fitzgerald, Stan Kenton and many others.

After graduating from high school Herb earned a business degree at the University of Miami in 1966. It would prove valuable nearly 20 years later when he founded Monarch Financial.

As new Christians, Herb and Eileen Link were attending Key Biscayne Presbyterian Church when they met at a potluck dinner at the church. They were married on September 5, 1964. Their marriage lasted more than 55 years, until Eileen's death in 2019.

Ben Haden, the pastor at Key Biscayne was influential in leading Herb to enroll at Westminster Seminary; after his graduation in 1970 he and Eileen moved to Chattanooga when he was called to pastor Hixson Presbyterian Church only a few years after its founding.

He left Hixson in 1977 to pastor LeJeune Presbyterian Church in the Miami area before returning in 1979 to the Hixson church where he served until 1989. A few years later Herb founded Monarch Financial, a successful business from which he eventually retired after selling it to his partners.

Herb was an avid reader, as the several book shelves in his house showed. He read many books on the Christian faith, including biblical commentaries. But he also enjoyed biographies, histories and fiction, including books by Michael Connelly, David Baldacci, John Grisham, and others.

(Later in life Herb began buying boxed sets of old radio shows, including Jack Benny, The Shadow, Johnny Dollar Private Eye, and many others. Friends might consider their own such purchases in his memory. He would be pleased.)

Herb was predeceased by his parents, and his wife Eileen. He is survived by his son, Mark Broadwater (wife Vanja) of Charleston, SC; daughters Melanie Broadwater of Hixson, and Bethany (husband Scott Sapoznick) of Atlanta, his granddaughters Lexi Broadwater of Hixson, and Milla Broadwater of Charleston; grandson Ari Sapoznick of Atlanta, and two step-grandchildren, Finn and Evelyn Sapoznick, also of Atlanta, and his brother-in-law, Dr. William Link (wife Linda), of Fairmont, NC.

A memorial service for Herb Broadwater will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, January 6, at Hamilton Funeral Home, 4506 Hixson Pike at Hamill Road). It will be preceded by visitation from noon until 2 pm.

The service will be conducted by the Rev. Robert Johnson, the senior pastor at Hixson Presbyterian Church.