The Shadow
James Talmadge “Pete”
Broughman
James Talmadge “Pete” Broughman passed away peacefully at the Woodlands Health and Rehabilitation Center, Clifton Forge, Virginia on January 3, 2026 at the age of 81.
Pete was born on October 23, 1944 to James Cecil Broughman and Sarah Fridley Broughman of White Rock Gap, Alleghany County, Covington, Virginia.
Mr. Broughman or “Pete” as he was known locally, was a lifelong resident of White Rock Gap and a 1963 graduate of the former Central High School in Low Moor where he stood out in football, being selected as Regional All Star and Defensive lineman of the year in ’63. He was a member of White Rock Gap Community Church. As a young man, Pete worked at Hercules in Covington, and then in construction as an equipment operator, before landing employment with the C&O Railroad. He worked his way along, eventually becoming a locomotive engineer and remained with C&O/CSX for more than 35 years before retiring in 2007. Pete was also a farmer and beef cattle producer in White Rock Gap. He favored doing things the old-fashioned way and never shirked a task because it required more sweat or a little extra time to get it done right. For many years, if he couldn’t be found on an engine pulling freight cars down the river, or over the mountain, he was on a tractor or behind a horse and plow, building or fixing fences, and tending to cattle, but in all cases the weather made no difference if the work needed done. Throughout his life, he loved Bluegrass and Old Country music and really enjoyed playing guitar with his bluegrass friends. Many of his closest friends and family shared that love with him. Through the decades and across the many years between, he spent summer evenings on porches, or in churches, kitchens, basements and backyards, or down on the river under tarps or tents picking and performing with some of the areas very best. Mr. Broughman also enjoyed spending time outdoors, and especially loved his family and friends.
Pete was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Barbara Lee “Sue” Brown.
He is survived by his wife, Mary Frances Robinson Broughman of Low Moor; three sons, James Talmadge “Tinker” Broughman II (Leslie) of White Rock Gap, Brandon W. Broughman (Liza) of Alexandria, and Brian K. Broughman (Terri Wright Whitby) of Clifton Forge; a sister, Ms. Joyce Ann Jones of Salem; four grandchildren, James Talmadge “Trey” Broughman III ( Tiffany) of White Rock Gap, Covington, Brandi Nicole Wiley (Eric) of Roanoke, Brandon T. Broughman (Anjelica) of Albuquerque, NM, and Raymond Alston Broughman of Denver, CO; eight great grandchildren, Bentley, Bayleigh and Braylyn Broughman of White Rock Gap, Covington, Emilia, Elijah and Elias Wiley of Roanoke, and Wyatt and Riley Broughman of Albuquerque, NM; as well as many cousins and extended family throughout the Highlands and beyond.
In the days to come, when the fog hangs low and the morning sun breaks over the mountain, while the whistle blows through the crossings down on the river, we’ll feel him watching over us; we’ll hear him call to us across the fields; we’ll feel his hand on our shoulder and his song in our hearts. Pete was frequently heard to say “Praise the Lord, but don’t take any wooden nickels.” Pop,…We’ll see you tomorrow evening, after dark.
In keeping with his wishes, Pete’s body has been cremated.
The family will visit with friends on Saturday, January 10, 2026 from 2:00 PM until 4:00 PM at Nicely Funeral Home, Clifton Forge.
Nicely Funeral Home is handling arrangements.
The family suggests memorial tributes take the form of contributions to the Shriner Children’s Hospital https://donate.shrinerschildrens.org
To send condolences to the family online, please visit www.nicelyfuneralhome.com
