Bill Broadway, Textile Executive, Dies at 57
Copen United executive William “Bill” Jennings Broadway died on Aug. 20, 2023 at his home in Mathews, North Carolina. He was 57.
“The Copen United family is sad to announce the passing of [our] friend and colleague,” the company wrote in a statement.
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During his 33 years in the textile industry, Broadway worked with various companies, beginning with Milliken & Company. He later joined Western Textiles and Cotswold Industries before taking a role with Copen United as executive vice president. He traveled extensively during his career to places including Latin America, the Middle East, Asia and Europe.
“Bill was a larger-than-life character, both literally and figuratively,” said Barry Emanuel, owner and president of Copen United. “He was extraordinarily charismatic, quick witted and an incredible people person. Bill had an unmatched ability to connect with others. His sense of humor was outrageous and his heart was huge. Fond memories of Bill are inevitably accompanied by hearty laughter. He will be sorely missed at Copen as a friend, a colleague as he will be missed throughout the entire industry.”
Broadway is survived by his wife Betsy and his four children Nicole, Lauren, Preston and Rhett, to whom Copen United said it sends “sincere condolences and support.”
Memorial services will be held at Providence Presbyterian Church, 10140 Providence Church Lane, Charlotte, N.C. on Sept. 7, 2023 at 1:30 p.m.
