Richard Lee Curry's Obituary
Richard Lee Curry passed away on April 22, 2024 at the age of 75, in Spring, Texas. He was born to William “Buddy” Curry and Elsie Mae Curry on June 1, 1948 in Houston, Texas, where he grew up on Farnsworth, the street on which he met his lifelong friend Ben Melancon. Richard was proud to have grown up in Northside Houston, near Janowski Elementary, his first school.
In his teens, Richard’s family moved to Dallas, where he lived for most of his adult life after serving his country in the Navy. He had two children, Craig and Sarah, with his first wife, Shirley. In 1983, he married the love of his life, Jeanette, and gained a stepson, David, who he grew to love and respect. Richard also leaves behind many old friends in the Dallas area.
Richard and Jeanette served as foster parents to nearly 30 children over 15 years. They were honored to be able to adopt Samson Silver in 2004 and Juliette and Jacob Curry in 2006. In October of 2023, Richard and Jeanette moved to the Houston area to be close to daughters Sarah and Juliette, and Richard’s childhood friends, Ben Melancon and Frank Young. They also lived in Panama for nearly a year and in Washington State near son Craig for nearly two years.
Richard’s life was one of service to those in need, and he lived as a champion of the underdog and the underprivileged. He spent a lifetime in community service through Boy Scouts, the Rotary Club, and Civitan International, for which he served as Governor for the state of Texas.
He also served three terms over a decade on the school board for the Dallas Independent School District. He loved his role on the school board and chose to marry Jeanette at a board meeting. He also served as Democratic Precinct Chairman in 1988 and ran for State Representative.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Gene Curry. He is survived by his wife, Jeanette Curry; sister, Cathy Wallace and her family; his son, Craig Curry and wife Heather Curry; son, David Kearby and wife Melissa Kearby; daughters, Sarah Curry and Juliette Curry; and sons Samson Silver and Jacob Curry.
Richard most treasured the title of “Poppy,” the name he was called by his grandchildren, Hattie and Pearl Curry, Brooke Kearby Carter and husband Casen, and Spencer Parrish and wife Rebecca. He also cherished his great grandchildren Evelyn Carter (1) and looked forward to another Carter baby boy on the way, and Jennifer Leigh Parrish (5), Ciara Parrish (2), Eogan Parrish (1) and Lettie Parrish (1 month).
His favorite memories included family trips to Surfside Beach and “penny ante” poker games at which he would tell stories of the Old West characters, such as Bat Masterson.
Richard will be honored in his funeral service on May 6, 2024 with a viewing at 10:00 am and a service at 11:00 am at Klein United Methodist Church on 5920 FM 2920 Rd., in Spring, Texas, 77388. There will also be a graveside service on May 7, 2024 at 1:00 pm at the Dallas Fort Worth National Cemetery at 2000 Mountain Creek Parkway, Dallas, Texas, 75211.
Please join us as we come together to celebrate the life of Richard Curry and support one another during this time of mourning.
If you would like to send flowers please send them to Klein United Methodist. Their phone number is: 281-353-8202
Sincerely,
The Curry Family
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