Michael Broadbear

BROADBEAR, Michael

Michael Webster Broadbear, Marietta, GA, passed peacefully on December 27, 2025. Born in Birmingham, AL, on November 25, 1941, he was preceded in death by his parents, Flora and Edward Broadbear; and brother, David. He is survived by his son, Michael Broadbear, Jr.; granddaughters, Gabriella and Helena Broadbear; as well as his longtime devoted partner, Marilyn Weitzel. A Celebration of Life for Michael will be held at the Mayes Ward Dobbins Funeral Home, 180 Church St., Marietta, 11 AM on Saturday, January 17, 2026. After the family's relocation, Michael's early years and the remainder of his life were spent in Atlanta where he attended E. Rivers Elementary School and Northside High School earning many titles as he led his football team to victories. Continuing to higher education, he was accepted to Vanderbilt University where he also starred on the football team, earned his law degree and was named Distinguished Military Graduate in ROTC. He entered active duty in the U.S. Army upon graduation and served an honorable tour of duty in Vietnam and was awarded a Bronze Star Medal for gallantry. Returning to the States, Michael continued his education in law, earning a Juris Doctor Degree from Emory University, subsequently launching a 60-year career in the legal profession. He was respected as a preeminent lawyer, not only in Atlanta, but as well as several counties throughout Georgia. When the networking organization was founded for post-Vietnam returnees, Mike was one of the original members of the Atlanta Vietnam Veterans Business Association and served in many leadership capacities for that organization. Michael's generous spirit was obvious in donating his time to aid a host of his fellow citizens. Many of his clients did not receive a bill for his services if he deemed them to possess financial hardships. He presided as a volunteer judge on several weekends for moot and mock courts, mentoring and evaluating law students throughout the country while sharing with the next generation of attorneys his experience and superior knowledge of the profession for which he received high marks from appreciative students. He also served as legal counsel for the Georgia Military Veterans Hall of Fame, a nonprofit created to recognize the sacrifices and contributions of Georgia's military heroes. Michael Broadbear will be sorely missed throughout the metro Atlanta area and beyond for his brilliant intellect, his infectious laughter and sense of humor as well as his loyalty to his ever-broadening circle of friends and admirers. Mayes Ward Dobbins Funeral Home Historic Marietta, Georgia will be in charge of arrangements.