Stephen "Bruce" Broussard

Stephen Paul Broussard (Bruce) passed away peacefully at home on July 5th, 2025. He suffered from a genetic form of ALS (Bulbar) for over two years. Bruce was born on August 9, 1951 in Lafayette, LA to John Edward Broussard and Leola Marie LeBlanc. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 15 from 9:30 - 11:00 AM at Christ The King Church, followed by mass at 11:00. The burial and reception will be at Harpeth Hills Memory Gardens at 12:30 PM.

Bruce was truly one of God’s good and faithful servants. He was a devout Catholic and served as a Eucharistic minister at Christ The King Church for over 38 years. He helped to expand the Mardi Gras party there by cooking the gumbo for 33 years. This event started small with 30 people and grew to 300 during that time! Each evening, Bruce would read his prayers and always inspired both family and friends with his faith. His St. Benedict prayer book is well loved!

People knew him to be a jovial, kind, generous and somewhat mischievous person. He was quite proud of his Cajun heritage - the food, the music and the dancing! His motto was “Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler!” He worked hard during his healthcare career but he also could play hard as Cajuns are known to do. For weddings and other events, he was often requested or just felt compelled to do the alligator when the song ‘Shout’ was played. Wedding parties made sure this song was on their playlist!

Bruce was known for his big smile and giving spirit. Through church, he participated in numerous Habitat builds in the Nashville area. He traveled to Honduras several times with his Church of Christ friends to build houses there. He also went on a mission trip to Costa Rica to capture, examine and care for sea turtles and help preserve their habitats. After retiring from work, Bruce volunteered at Ascension St. Thomas West for ten years, three days a week. He absolutely loved his work there and soon knew just about everyone from Environmental Services to the cooks, the staff, and the executive team. It was a sad day for him and St. Thomas when the ALS no longer allowed him to serve.

Bruce became a farmer after purchasing a 50-acre farm one hour from Nashville in 2007. This was his happy place. On weekends, he would escape from the city to the farm to mend fences and take care of farm chores. Neighbors remarked that they had never seen another farmer smiling while perched up on a John Deere tractor! He taught all four grandchildren how to drive the Gator at the farm as early as 5 years old. Many tall tales were told around the campfire out there.

Bruce loved to cook for family dinners and get togethers with friends. He enjoyed spending time back home in Lafayette as well as visiting new places. He was lucky to get to travel to many parts of the world to explore new places, new cultures and different cuisines. Rarely did he meet a stranger!

He is preceded in death by his parents, John Edward and Leola Marie Broussard; and brother, Phil Broussard. 

He is survived by his wife, Karolyn, of 52 years and 3 children: Erin Broussard Hawkins (Shane); Lauren Elizabeth Broussard; and Stephen Paul Broussard II (Natalie); 4 grandchildren: Michael Shane, Grace, Ellie, and Ryan; siblings, Johnny Broussard and Andre Badeux. 

Pallbearers will be Stephen Broussard II, Shane Hawkins, Michael Shane Hawkins II, Johnny Broussard, Noel Norwood, Tony Broussard, and Paul Ducrest.

Honorary pallbearers will be the Poker Group, Cathedral Carmel High School Class of 1970, Ascension St. Thomas West Staff and Volunteers, Bill Kortlang, Houston Moran, Bill O’Bryan, Kemo Howington, Zac Mayo, Will Tarleton and the SGS Saturday Morning Golf Group.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to FirstLight Home Care for their wonderful care and compassion that went above and beyond expectations. We also thank our nurse friends, Madelyn Mencio, Susan Dawkins and Zac Mayo, who made frequent house calls throughout Bruce’s illness.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Stephen Paul Broussard’s name to either of the following:

ALS

Ascension St. Thomas Foundation or can be mailed to: Ascension St.Thomas Foundation, 4220 Harding Pike, Nashville, TN 37205