David James Kline, age 77, of Nolensville, TN, passed away on December 25, 2025. He was born March 14, 1948, in Cleveland, OH, to the late John F., Sr. and Lois Jean Kline.
David grew up in Wickliffe, OH, and graduated from Wickliffe High School in 1966, where he won a state wrestling championship. He went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in industrial technology from Stout State University (now the University of Wisconsin-Stout) in Menomonie, WI and an associate’s degree in occupational safety and health from Inver Hills Community College in Inver Grove Heights, MN. He received associate degrees in risk management and loss control from the Insurance Institute of America. He worked in the insurance industry, serving as a loss control and risk management specialist for more than 40 years. He taught defensive driving courses for many years and was passionate about telling whoever was driving to “slow down, look out, go, watch the road, stop following so close.” He coached several youth softball and basketball teams, and often helped the officials call balls, strikes and fouls. He loved his golden retriever, Willow, often sharing his meals with her.
David is survived by his wife of 54 years, and best friend, Elaine K. Kline (Anderson); son, Mitchell (Jennifer) Kline; daughter, Gina (Stephen) Cotton; four grandchildren: Harper and Miller Kline, Breelyn and Callie Cotton; as well as nephews Glenn (Janet) Barr, James (Nancy) Kline and Curt (Jess) Haugen; nieces, Dana Barr, Cheryl Barr, Laura (Kevin) Edwards and Julie (Josh) Dubs. David is preceded in death by his mother, Lois Kline; father, John Kline Sr.; stepmother, Fern Kline; brother, John F. Kline, Jr. (wife Trudy).
David enjoyed woodworking, despite cutting off a thumb, and consistently participated in home renovations throughout his life. He was quite the handyman. He cheered on his children and grandchildren, proudly attending hundreds of sporting events, plays, concerts, and living-room talent shows. He rooted for the University of Tennessee and was routinely spotted wearing orange and white. He loved traveling and spending time outdoors. He was a long-time member of Hillcrest United Methodist Church.
A celebration of David’s life will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2025, at Woodbine Funeral Home, Hickory Chapel in Nashville, TN (5852 Nolensville Road), with visitation starting at 2:00 p.m. followed by a service at 4:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association as a tribute to David.
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This obituary was published by Woodbine Funeral Home – Hickory Chapel.
This obituary was published by Obituaries provided free for the community.
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