Richard Joseph Kozma

Richard Joseph "Dick" Kozma, of Newnan, Georgia, passed away on September 10, 2026, at the age of 85. Born in New Brunswick, New Jersey, on June 17, 1941, he was the son of Joseph and Esther Kozma, first-generation Hungarian Americans. He was preceded in death by his sister, JoAnn Kozma. Richard was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, veteran, man of faith, and friend. He is survived by his beloved wife of 48 years, Gwyn (Giles) Kozma; his son, Erik Kozma and daughter-in-law, Julie; his daughter, Sarah Kozma; his five grandchildren, Will, Kyler, Dylan, Kormondy, and Kaison; and his dear friends, Art and Barbara Sepcie. Richard was known for having a tough exterior and a heart of gold. He loved his family fiercely and without reservation. He was a man of God, deeply committed to his church and a firm believer in the power of tithing and giving. He believed in speaking up, standing for what was right, and holding the young men and women in his life to high expectations. He challenged those he loved because he believed in them. His early life was shaped by both family and an unusual childhood. During and after WW II, while his father served in the Navy and his mother contributed to the war effort, Richard lived with different family members. Later, when his father, Joe, began working in air conditioning for ARAMCO in the Middle East, Richard moved with his mother and younger sister, JoAnn, to Saudi Arabia. He spent his later school years between Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and the San Marcos Military Academy in San Marcos, Texas. Richard later graduated from the University of New Mexico in Las Cruces. He later served in the United States Army, completing two tours in Vietnam. During his service, he flew a Cessna O-1 "Bird Dog" conducting reconnaissance missions. He saw some of the worst of humanity during his years in Vietnam, but rather than allowing those experiences to harden him, he chose to hope for the best in humanity. He carried that perspective with him throughout his life. Throughout his career, he worked in hospital administration in Houston, Texas, and later spent several years teaching high school in McAllen, Texas. His work with young people reflected one of the qualities that defined him throughout his life: he believed strongly in helping young men and women become capable, responsible, and independent adults. Of all his many interests and joys, nothing meant more to Richard than his family. He loved his wife Gwyn, and he was immensely proud of Erik, Julie, and Sarah. His love for his grandchildren was especially evident. He took genuine interest in each of their individual talents, personalities, and interests, and he showed his love not only through words but through his presence. He showed up-for recitals, grandparents' days at school, and countless sporting events, enduring every variety of uncomfortable stadium seating along the way. He delighted in seeing each grandchild become exactly who they were meant to be. Richard enjoyed traveling and seeing new places, with a particular fondness for New Mexico, where he had attended college. Over the years, he and his family traveled to different parts of the world. After retirement, he and Erik toured Belgium together in the early 2000s. He also happily made several trips from Georgia to Houston to watch his beloved Astros play baseball. A lifelong Astros fan, Richard was also a train enthusiast, gardener, beekeeper, wooden toy maker, and took great pleasure in the things that captured his curiosity and imagination. But perhaps his greatest legacy was not found in any particular hobby or accomplishment. It was found in the way he lived and in the values he passed to his family. He raised his children to be strong, independent, loving, and responsible-to love one another and to be good citizens of the world. He taught them through his words, his expectations, his faith, and, most importantly, his example. Richard was a good man. He loved deeply, served faithfully, gave generously, spoke honestly, and showed up for the people who mattered most. His family knows how much he loved them because he spent a lifetime showing them. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered. Richard's Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, September 13, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. at Newnan Presbyterian Church, 38 Greenville St., Newnan, GA. The family asks that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Newnan Presbyterian Church Endowment Fund or to a charity of your choice. Online condolences can be shared with the family by visiting www.mckoon.com. McKoon Funeral Home & Crematory, 770-253-4580

Richard Joseph Kozma

June 17, 1941 - September 10, 2026