By By Howard Boler
Oct. 4, 2001
On Sunday, August 26, 2001, Meridian and the surrounding community lost one of our nearest and dearest friends. He wasn't famous for owning a business or having anything named after him. He wasn't a sports or a television personality. His only claim to fame was the help he offered and supplied when someone had car trouble.
His name was Billy Brogan. He was a simple man, whose greatest passion in life was lending a helping hand to anyone in need.
Mr. Brogan was the service manager at several local Ford dealerships over the past 40 some odd years. He touched the lives of many, some who didn't even know his name. He had many friends and associates who will sadly miss him.
Mr. Brogan served his country proudly and faithfully in the South Pacific while in the United States Navy aboard the USS Suwanee. This fact alone, in my eyes, makes him a hero. But this wasn't enough. He was active as a local Shriner helping to raise many dollars for a very worthy cause for more than 30 years.
He raised three very fine sons who all grew up to be solid members of our community. His pride in these three men was evident by how quick he was to tell you of their accomplishments. Billy was in the 59th year of marriage to Evelyn, his devoted wife.
Many of the people in the car industry in Meridian and the surrounding area were either trained by Mr. Brogan or brought up under his tutelage. Many of us owe him a debt of great gratitude for the knowledge and sincerity to the profession he imparted.
Anyone in a service-related profession, understands the pressures and stress of Mr. Brogan's everyday work life. Yet Mr. Brogan always smiled and had a kind word for his customers, co-workers and employees.
We will all miss Mr. Brogan and I know that if you ever encountered him at or away from work, more than likely you have positive memories of him. So, if your vehicle is in need of repair, hold the facility up to the high standards he set for us all, and remember Billy Brogan.
Goodbye, for now, Billy B. We all miss you.
P.S.: I'm sure they carry the Braves games in Heaven, and play George Jones on the Radio.