Roy Michael Kuzma

Roy Michael Kuzma, lovingly known as Mike, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, in Nashville, Tennessee, at the age of 73. Born on January 9, 1951, in Nashville, Mike grew up in the Cottontown area and graduated from White House High School, where he met the love of his life, Virginia Gail Honeycutt. Their love blossomed into a beautiful marriage that lasted for 49 years, filled with laughter and love as they raised their two daughters, Angie and Ashley.

During his high school years, Mike was a star basketball player, helping lead his White House team to their first district championship and set a school record of 27 wins which still stands today. They also went on to win the school’s only boy regional championship and counted the most wins in a three year period with 64. After high school, he briefly served in the Tennessee National Guard and attended Columbia State Community College.

Mike embarked on a successful career in the insurance industry, where he and his wife eventually co-owned and operated their own business, but what mattered most to Mike was family. After a doctor prescribed him with a ‘vacation’ to help ease his work stress, his family began a 30 year tradition of family vacations to Daytona Beach, a tradition inspired by childhood trips with his mother. He was the one who always asked, “When’s the next family reunion?”, and his favorite childhood memories were summers spent with his many cousins.

In addition to his work, Mike was a man of many passions. He was an avid music lover who taught himself to play guitar by ear. Though he kept his musical talents private for many years, later in life, he shared his voice with residents of nursing homes, performing gospel songs, both solo and with a local church group. His musical tastes were broad, including gospel, country, southern rock, blues, pop and jazz with favorite artists that included the Allman Brothers, Stevie Ray Vaughn, The Beatles and Elvis.

Mike also became a dedicated tennis player in early adulthood, quickly earning a reputation in the local community and competing in high-level tournaments. One of his most memorable matches was a doubles match with baseball legend Hank Aaron, where he and Hank Aaron won the 1st place championship trophies. Mike shared this love of tennis with his daughter Ashley. As her coach, he challenged her, and the two still played through adulthood and shared a passion for the game. Fishing, golf, playing pool and cards with his twin brother, Mitchell, were more of Mike's favorite pastimes, offering him moments of connection and competition with his brother.

Known for his wonderful sense of humor, Mike's laughter resonated throughout his home, creating an atmosphere full of happiness and warmth. He is survived by his beloved daughters, Angie Kuzma and Ashley (Michael Dolan) Kuzma; his grandson, Declan Michael Kuzma-Dolan; as well as a niece, several nephews and extended family members who will carry on his legacy. He was preceded in death by his father, John Kuzma; mother Eva Jewel Richardson; wife Virginia Kuzma; twin brother Mitch Kuzma; brother Wally Kuzma; and sister Karen Brundige.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, October 5, 2024, from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM, followed by a Celebration of Life from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Cole & Garrett Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Goodlettsville, TN, located at 127 N Main St, Goodlettsville, TN 37072.

Final arrangements for Mr. Kuzma have been entrusted to Cole & Garrett Funeral Home, Goodlettsville.