In this inspiring and heartfelt interview, Tonya and Butch Speed—married 41 years—reflect on the deep lessons learned through decades of love, faith, creativity, and commitment. They share how marriage has grown from youthful romance into a daily choice to show up for one another, especially during life’s harder moments, including Butch’s ongoing journey with Parkinson’s. Tonya’s beloved dance studio has become a multi-generational haven where confidence and character are built, while Butch’s artwork and mentoring at Success Unlimited Academy continue to inspire young people. Together, they model what it means to age with purpose—choosing joy, leaning on faith, and embracing the beauty of each new season, hand in hand.BOOM: Congratulations on 41 years of marriage! What’s one thing each of you has learned about love, trust, or partnership that you didn’t know when you first said “I do”?
After 41 years of marriage, one thing we’ve both come to understand is that love is more than a feeling—it’s a daily choice to stay committed, especially when life has ups and downs. There have been times when one of us had to give a little more, carry more, or be the steady one, but staying fully committed to each other has built a deep trust and bond that holds us together.
We’ve learned the value of listening well, speaking kindly, and knowing when to meet in the middle. Lastly, partnership is about growing together while giving each other space to be who we are individually, and it’s okay to be different, to have our own strengths, and still be moving forward in the same direction. We have become teammates for life!
BOOM: You’ve both built lives that center around creativity and influence. How would you describe the intersection of your marriage and your creative passions?
Tonya: Our journey of creativity and influence began when we were just 15, newly dating and serving side-by-side in Vacation Bible School. Butch led crafts with his artistic touch, and I shared music during group time. Looking back, that early collaboration was a clear glimpse of God’s greater plan for our lives together.
Throughout high school and college, we each pursued our own creative paths—Butch in choral performance and visual arts, and I in piano, flute, and dance. Yet even as our talents developed individually, our support for one another remained constant. That creative connection became a steady rhythm in our relationship and ultimately laid the foundation for opening the dance studio in 1986.
Over the years, we’ve partnered in countless projects—from the Montgomery County Junior Miss Program and church productions like the Living Christmas Tree to high school and college musicals and children’s events. But the heart of it all hasn’t been applause or accolades—it’s been about living a life of purpose, rooted in faith and a shared desire to use our gifts to serve and inspire. By dreaming, creating, and encouraging one another, our marriage has grown stronger with each season—bringing joy, meaning, and a deeper appreciation for the journey we’ve shared.
BOOM: Tonya, your dance studio has been a fixture in this community for nearly four decades. What keeps you inspired after all these years, and how has your role evolved?
Tonya: What keeps me inspired, even after all these years, are the students. Watching a child walk into the studio shy and unsure, then blossom into a confident, expressive dancer—that never gets old! Each generation brings something new: fresh energy, different stories, and their own unique spark and excitement. They keep me growing, too.
As for how my role has evolved, I’ve gone from being the hands-on teacher in every class to being more of a mentor and visionary. I still love teaching, but now I also find joy in collaborating with my teachers, developing new programs, and making sure the studio continues to be a safe, joyful space where creativity and character are nurtured. It’s not just about dance steps anymore—it’s about building confidence, discipline, and a love for the arts that lasts a lifetime.
BOOM: You mentioned that teaching dance is about more than steps — it’s about relationships. Can you share a moment that reminded you why this work matters?
Tonya: Many times, former students drop by the studio just to say “hello”, but one particularly stands out most. This former student—now an adult—came back to visit and touch base. She began to share with me that the dance studio had been her safe place during a really difficult time in her life. She said it wasn’t just the dancing that helped her, but the encouragement, the structure, and the sense of belonging she found here.
She remembered little things—like a smile greeting her when walking through the studio door, a pep talk before competitions and recitals, or just being seen when she felt invisible elsewhere. That reminded me that this work goes far beyond the choreography and a dance class. It’s about planting seeds of confidence, love, and resilience. Dance is only the tool—but it’s the relationships and the heart behind it that truly make the difference. Moments like that remind me why I continue to teach day after day and year after year.
BOOM: Many of your former students now work alongside you. What does it mean to have that kind of multi-generational impact?
Tonya: One of the greatest honors for me is having a former students return—not just for a visit, but with a heart to teach, mentor, and invest in the next generation of dancers. It’s deeply humbling. To know that the love for dance and the appreciation for the arts I once poured into them inspired a desire to continue that legacy—it means the world to me.
There’s something profoundly moving about those full-circle moments. These teachers remember what it felt like to stand where their students now stand and that empathy shapes how they teach. It creates a sense of continuity that’s rich with meaning—a legacy woven from love, discipline, creativity, and joy. It reminds me that our impact as educators doesn’t end with a single class, competition, or performance—it lives on in who our students become and what they choose to give back. My heart overflows with gratitude.
BOOM: Butch, you’ve continued creating beautiful art while facing Parkinson’s for 17 years. How has painting helped you process and persevere?
Butch: Painting has been both a refuge and an escape from some of the challenges of living with Parkinson’s. On days when my life seems overwhelming or my body doesn’t cooperate the way it used to, painting has given me a way to redirect my focus from the physical or emotional challenges I am facing at that moment. Parkinson’s has certainly changed some things for me, and it has deepened my appreciation for the creative process—teaching me to slow down, be present, and finding beauty in imperfection.
In many ways, painting has helped me process my journey—the anxiety, frustration, gratitude, hope—all of it ends up on the canvas. It’s taught me to keep showing up, even on the hardest of days. I may not have the same control I once did, but what I’ve gained is a new kind of freedom—a reminder that creativity doesn’t have to be perfect to be powerful.
BOOM: What adjustments have you both made as Parkinson’s has become part of your shared journey?
Butch: Through this journey, we’ve learned to walk through the challenges together—with patience, honesty, and a lot of grace. We’ve had to adjust not just routines but expectations. Some days move slower, and some plans have to be flexible. But through it all, we’ve stayed committed to being a team.
We’ve made room for rest, for humor, and for asking for help when we need it. Tonya has become an amazing caregiver and a constant encourager, and I’ve had to learn to receive that love in new ways. I couldn’t do this life without her. Tonya is my rock! This journey was not something we ever planned for our lives, but it certainly has deepened our partnership—not in spite of the struggle, but because of how we face it together.
We’ve also become more intentional—about time, family, conversations, and what really matters in life. Parkinson’s is part of our story now, but it doesn’t define us. Love, faith, family, and creativity still lead the way!
BOOM: You’re still making a difference, Butch, especially in your role with Success Unlimited Academy. What do you love most about working with young people?
Butch: Following a twenty-five-year career with the United States Bankruptcy Court, I took disability retirement in 2014. While stepping away was necessary, it didn’t take long—just a few months of reflection and rest—for me to realize I still had so much more to give. I appreciate Susan Alred, SUA’s headmaster, for allowing me to join her administrative staff and have the privilege of working with both lower and upper school students.
What draws me to work with young people is their honesty, energy, and limitless potential. They’re still discovering who they are, and being part of that journey is one of the greatest gifts of my life. I appreciate the opportunities not only to encourage them in their learning but to challenge them to dream bigger, believe in themselves, and truly understand that they matter. I’ve seen how even the smallest gestures—a kind word, a listening ear, a reminder of their worth—can have a lasting impact. I may not move as fast as I once did, but my passion for mentoring has never been stronger. Helping students see their God-given value and purpose—that’s what keeps me going, and I cherish the opportunities I’ve had to mentor them.
BOOM: What advice would you give to others facing a long-term health challenge as a couple?
Our advice to others is this: face the challenge together, not alone. It’s easy to let a diagnosis become the center of everything, but don’t lose sight of your relationship. Keep talking, keep laughing, and keep showing up for each other in the little ways that matter.
Give each other grace—because there will be hard days. Some are filled with frustration, some with fear, but don’t be afraid to ask for help, and don’t try to carry it all on your own. Lean on your faith, your family, your community, and each other.
We encourage others to find joy even when it seems impossible! Celebrate small wins, create new routines, and stay connected to the things that make life meaningful—whether that’s creativity, family, or just sitting together quietly enjoying a cup of coffee. You may have to adjust the rhythm of life, but you can still dance through it together.
BOOM: Between dance, art, education, and family, your lives are rich with connection. What grounds you both in the midst of it all?
What grounds us most is our faith and our commitment to each other. Life gets full—sometimes overwhelming—but we always come back to the foundation we built our marriage on: trusting God, staying rooted in love, and choosing to walk through life hand in hand.
We’ve learned that it’s not about doing everything perfectly; it’s about staying present, keeping our priorities clear, and remembering why we started this journey together. Whether we’re in the studio, the office, or at home around the dinner table, we try to lead with grace and gratitude.
At the end of the day, it’s the simple things—prayer, shared moments, laughter, and knowing we’re not alone in any of it—that keep us steady. Those are the things that hold us up, even when everything else feels like it’s moving way too fast.
BOOM: You’ve described your family as a huge joy — especially being grandparents. What’s your favorite part of grandparenting?
Tonya: Oh my goodness—being grandparents has truly been one of the sweetest, most joy-filled chapters of our lives. There’s a depth to it that’s hard to explain until you’ve lived it—a love that is unconditional, full of wonder, and full of excitement. We’re affectionately known as GaGa and PopPop, and we wear those names with pride.
Our favorite part? —that’s a tough question. As grandparents, we have the ability to slow down and truly savor each moment. When we were raising our daughters, Anne Preston and Frances, life was wonderfully full—but often very busy. Now, we get to enjoy the small things: the giggles, the curious questions, the bedtime stories and prayers, sleepovers, dance recitals and ballgames, the cookie baking, and the moments of just being silly together. There’s no pressure—just presence. Their joy truly becomes our joy.
We’re blessed with four beautiful grandchildren: Mary Colston (6), Eli (4), Olivia (3), and Brockton (2½). Each one has a distinct personality and brings something uniquely special to our hearts. They are, as Scripture reminds us, “fearfully and wonderfully made.”
Olivia’s journey has been a uniquely precious part of our grandparenting story. Born with spina bifida and later diagnosed with Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome—a rare genetic condition—she has shown us what strength, beauty, and resilience truly look like. Each milestone she reaches is a victory, and her light continues to inspire not only us but our entire family. Her presence has deepened our love, our faith, and our perspective on what it means to cherish life’s moments.
So, for us, grandparenting isn’t just a season—it’s a sacred calling. It’s the opportunity to witness the unfolding of new generations and to speak life, faith, and love into their little hearts. More than anything, it’s a blessing—a legacy of joy we are grateful to live every single day.
BOOM: Travel means something different to everyone. For you two, it sounds like it’s not about destinations as much as togetherness. What makes your family trips so meaningful?
For us, family vacations have never been about the destination—it’s about time together, shared laughter, and making meaningful memories. Whether we’re exploring someplace new or revisiting a favorite spot, what matters most is simply being with the ones we love.
Family trips give us the chance to step away from our busy life and focus on what matters most—each other. Some of our favorite memories are long car rides together, late-night games or movies, trips to the beach or mountains, cruises, boat rides at the lake and the joy of watching our children or grandchildren experience family vacations for the first time.
There is always time for one more photo to take, one more cookie or sweet treat for the grandchildren even when their parents say no more, or tweaking the bedtime routine. It’s all worth it! We laugh, we play, we reflect—and we always come home feeling more grateful that we’ve made time for each other and created some special memories.
So for us, family trips aren’t measured in miles, but measured in moments that draw us closer, remind us of what truly matters, and creates a legacy of love and togetherness. Those are the moments that stay with us long after we unpack our suitcases.
BOOM: Tonya, when we first spoke you said, “Life is good. Boom. Done. Period!” Where does that positivity come from?
Tonya: My positivity comes from a deep place of gratitude and faith. I’ve walked through seasons—some joyful, some painful—and have come to realize that life is a gift, even when it’s hard. I choose to focus on what’s good, what’s true, and what lasts. It doesn’t mean everything is always perfect—but it does mean I can find purpose and beauty in every day.
A big part of that mindset comes from my relationship with God. He’s been faithful through every chapter, and that gives me strength and hope no matter what I’m facing. And honestly, it also comes from surrounding myself with people I love—my family, my students, my friends and community. They remind me that joy isn’t about having everything go right; it’s about recognizing the blessings right in front of you.
So yes—Life is good. Boom. Done. Period —because every day I wake up and get to love, give, and create… that’s more than enough!
BOOM: Looking back on your younger selves — newlyweds just starting out — what would you want to tell them today?
Looking back on our younger selves—wide-eyed newlyweds full of dreams—we’d tell them this: Be patient with each other, give more grace than you think you need, and hold tightly to your faith in God. You won’t have all the answers, and that’s okay, but seek out godly advice when necessary.
Life will bring joy and challenges you can’t yet imagine, but if you face them together—with honesty, laughter, and a willingness to grow—you’ll be stronger for it.
We’d also remind them that love isn’t something you fall into once; it’s something you choose, build, and nurture every single day. And that the life you’re building—one step, one prayer, one sacrifice at a time—will be more meaningful than anything you could dream on day one. Trust the journey. The best is yet to come!
BOOM: What does “aging with purpose” mean to you, especially as a couple who’s still dreaming, creating, and loving well?
For us, “aging with purpose” means continuing to live with intention, passion, and love—no matter what season of life we’re in. It’s about recognizing that growing older doesn’t mean growing stagnant. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. It’s a conscious decision to wake up each day knowing that we still have something valuable to give.
After 41 years of marriage, we’re still dreaming, still creating, and still investing in the people and things we care most about—our family, our faith, our community, and each other. We will continue to walk hand-in-hand, cheering each other on, and staying open to all the beauty God still has in store for us.
We want to thank Tonya and Butch for sharing their story with us this month. If you have comments or suggestions about our cover profiles, including nominating someone, please text Jason Watson at 334.328.5189 or email jason@riverregionboom.com.