Donald Norman Broughton

Donald Norman Broughton of Gainesville, GA died peacefully on May 7, 2023, at the age of 90. His funeral will take place at Grace Episcopal Church, Gainesville, on Saturday, June 17 at 11 AM. A reception will follow in the parish hall.

Born in Marblehead, MA to Norman H. Broughton and Eloise McRae Broughton, Don retained a lifelong love of New England. After a brief tour of duty in the Navy in 1951, he obtained undergraduate degrees from Boston University and Syracuse University (1954, 1956), and a Bachelor of Sacred Theology from Boston University (1959). During his studies he was Education Assistant to the Rev. Dr. Howard Thurman at Marsh Chapel (B.U.), and served Methodist churches in Kirkville, NY and South Middleboro, MA. He was ordained as a Methodist minister in 1959. 

In 1964 Don and his family moved to Georgia, where he became Assistant Professor and Chair of the Department of History and Social Science at Oxford College of Emory University. He earned a Ph.D. in Social Ethics from B.U. in 1965, but in 1968 he moved to Atlanta, changed professions, and obtained a Ph.D. in Psychology from Georgia State University. From 1973 until his retirement in 2014 he maintained a robust private practice as a Clinical Psychologist. He was a Diplomate of the American Board of Professional Psychology and an active member of the Georgia Psychological Association and the American Academy of Psychotherapists. He was proud to serve as President of the G.P.A. and to chair the Committee on Professional Ethics for both the G.P.A.and the A.A.P. He conducted numerous workshops on Professional Ethics, Couples’ Therapy, and Group Therapy.

Don is survived by his first wife Elizabeth, mother of his children Jonathan Broughton (Alechia), Janette Broughton Reynolds (Mark), Christopher Broughton (Jennifer), and Carolyn Broughton Prickett (Tim). He married Susan Olson in 2003. Don’s large extended family included his stepson Robert Wood (Linda), twelve grandchildren, and sixteen great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings Norma Broughton Pizzo, Kenneth Broughton (Stella), Linda Broughton Tunney (Jim), and numerous nieces and nephews. His brother Leonard Broughton (Linda’s twin) died in 2013.

Don loved his wife and family, the sea, woodworking, gardening, reading, travel, and classical music. He was proud of his Scottish heritage and his membership in the Clan MacRae Society. In his final years he enjoyed sitting on his back porch, watching the birds, trees, and clouds. He will be dearly missed by all who loved him. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Doctors without Borders or the Friends of Music program at Grace Episcopal Church, Gainesville.

Those wishing to send online condolences to the family may do so at littledavenport.com

Little & Davenport Funeral Home and Crematory, 355 Dawsonville Highway, SW, Gainesville, Georgia 30501 is in charge of arrangements.