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Kyle Cruze Obituary
Knoxville, TN
Kyle Layman "Buddy" Cruze went home to be with Jesus Saturday, March 10, 2018. He was 84. He graduated from East High School in 1952 where he excelled in athletics, setting many school and state records. He went on to the University of Tennessee where he graduated in Civil Engineering in 1956 and was also named a First Team All-American in football. Buddy's favorite past time was coaching and following his kids and grandkids in youth sports. Anyone who was ever coached, mentored, or simply encountered Buddy was made to feel valued, cared for and special. He loved many people and many people loved him. He was successful in business as well, founding a computer software business in 1978 that still operates today.
He is preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Charlotte Ketchersid Cruze; his parents, Carl Layman and Edith Dykes Cruze; and sister, Bobbie Cruze Wilson. He is survived by his sister, Cartha Lynn (Cruze) Turner and brother-in-law Gaylon Eugene Wilson. Additionally, by his four children and spouses, Debbye Cruze Wright (Blair), Kyle Buddy Cruze (Helen), Guille Barger Cruze (Carol), Kay Cruze Smith (Randy), all of Knoxville, TN. His fourteen grandchildren, Ben and Natalie Wright, both of Knoxville, Katie Wright Trenda (Dan), Buffalo, NY, Kyle Cruze Jr. (Kristen), and Winston Cruze (Rachel), both of Nashville, TN, Charlotte Cruze Foster (Chris), Knoxville, TN, Matthew Cruze (Sarah), Huntsville, AL, Meggie Cruze Staykov (Stayko), Nashville, TN, Kelsey Cruze Reese (Josh), Knoxville, TN, Rachel Cruze, Nashville, TN, Andrew Smith (Caroline), Knoxville, TN, Ellen Smith, Chattanooga, TN, Brady and Jason Smith Knoxville, TN; great-grandchildren, Jack, Will, Audrey and Luke Trenda, Eli, Jude and Addison Cruze, Amelia and Caroline Cruze, Svea, Evelyn and Mary Helen Foster, Carter, Nathan and Lilly Cruze; Henry, Vivi and Oliver Staykov and Hank Smith.
Call of Convenience was held Wednesday, March 14, 2018 from 12:00 pm until 6:00 pm at Berry Funeral Home, 3704 Chapman Highway. A graveside service was held at Woodlawn Cemetery at 11:30 am on Thursday, March 15, 2018. The family had a Celebration of Life with a receiving of friends following the service at Fellowship Church, 8000 Middlebrook Pike, Knoxville, TN. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Young Life of Knoxville, www.knoxville.younglife.org; Deeper Still, www.godeeperstill.org; or S.T.A.R., www.rideatstar.org. Condolences may be offered at www.berryfuneralhome.com.
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Memories and Condolences
for Kyle Cruze
Sponsored by Berry Funeral Home - Knoxville.
May 17, 2018
Buddy will be missed and remembered by a lot of people. He was our Little League baseball coach at Cedar Bluff and taught us all well. He took us to Oak Ridge to our first ever batting cage for practice. After practice, we watched him smack it over the fence many times. Thanks for the memories COACH,
John Hampton
Nashville
Linda Waller Perry
March 22, 2018
I did not know him personally, but I graduated from East High also and I remember hearing about his athletic accomplishments. Deepest sympathy to his family.
Linda Waller Perry
Dean Craig
March 21, 2018
My Dad always spoke highly of Buddy Cruze, especially about his prowess in athletics. I know he was a real blessing to his kids and grandkids. May God grant the family with peace & comfort, and with lots of wonderful memories of the times you shared with him!
Buck Donaldson
March 18, 2018
I'll always remember our good time working together at Calvary Church!
Liz Nelson
March 16, 2018
Sorry for the loss.
Jim Ogle
March 15, 2018
Blessed and fortunate to have known this gracious man! Just spoke to him week ago today with Coach Smelcher! Always will be grateful for his commitment to YL! Especially attending My sons' Loudon Co. banquet this past fall! Some talk the talk but Buddy walked the walk for our Lord and Savior Jesus! I'll miss you Buddy on Thursday nights at Wright's Cafeteria! I know you won't as you are where you wanted to be in Heaven!! Celebrate my brother! Bless this family Lord!
Marsha (Stringfield) Lovelace
March 14, 2018
Debbye - Condolences from an old childhood friend. My prayers are with you and your family.
Marsha Stringfield Lovelace
Tracey Snyder-Podsobinski
March 14, 2018
Mr. Cruze and his wife, Charlotte, took Kay and I many weekends to Windygap, North Carolina, where they introduced Young Life into my world. God used them in so many ways~ I will always hold their family deep in my soul❤
Sylvia Sproul
March 13, 2018
Buddy was East High's football hero. His classmates from the Knoxville East High School Alumni Associatlion want to express our deepest sympathies to Buddy's family at his death. We loved him and admired him.
Sylvia Sproul, Corresponding Secretary KEHSAA
Bryan Burnham
March 13, 2018
Although I never had the opportunity to meet Mr. Cruze, my father Bruce Burnham (a former Vols teammate ) always spoke highly of him and valued his relationship with him. Condolences on behalf of the Burnham Family to the Cruze Family in this difficult time.
Frank Hall
March 13, 2018
Buddy and I were High School team mates in football and basketball at East and roommates for a while at UT. He was an outstanding individual as well as an athlete. My sincere sympathy to all of his family. Frank Hall
JIM WALKER
March 13, 2018
GOD SPEED OLD FRIEND!
Marcy Dickert
March 13, 2018
Remembering with Buddy's family a man who meant so very much to so many.
Laura Cox
March 13, 2018
Helen and Buddy, Please accept my condolences. With much sympathy,
Jeff Kohl
March 13, 2018
"Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints." (Psalm 116:15) God views the death of His children much different than we. To Him, they have come home, to us, they have departed. May He comfort and give your family His peace during this time of sorrow. My sincere condolences to all the Cruze family.
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Memorial Events
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Mar
14
Calling hours
12:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Berry Funeral Home - Knoxville3704 Chapman Highway, Knoxville, TN 37920
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Berry Funeral Home - Knoxville3704 Chapman Highway, Knoxville, TN 37920
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