Mark W. Curry Jr.

CURRY, Mark W. Jr. 84, of Tampa and Highlands, NC, passed away peacefully at his home on Monday, May 16, 2011. Mark was born in St Petersburg and was a lifelong resident of Tampa, graduating from Hillsborough High School and WorshamSchool of Mortuary Science. He proudly served in the U.S. Navy on the USS Baltimore during WWII. Mark was preceded in death by his son, Riley James, his much loved wife of 50 years Bertha Curry and the second love of his life, wife, Marti Dawes Curry. He is survived by his son, Mark Curry, III; daughters, Frances "Cissy" Ryan and Barbara Gelsomino, with her husband, Mark. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Elizabeth, Brock, Alexandria and James, along with his siste,r Frances Vaughn and numerous nieces and nephews. Mark also leaves loving stepchildren, Charles Crispin and Cathy Keller, as well as his loving dog, "Pepper." He was the founder of Curry's Funeral Home, which was established in 1957. He was a member of Palma Ceia United Methodist Church, Palma Ceia Country Club and Wildcat Cliff Country Club in Highlands, NC. He was a 32nd degree Mason, a member of the Honor Patrol and the Royal Order of Jesters. Mark W. Curry Jr. was one of the most generous, humble and compassionate gentlemen that you could ever be fortunate enough to know. He was the best dad in the whole wide world and a shining example of a true "Southern Gentleman." A special thanks to his best friend Ron Shelton who was with him until the end. The family will receive friends from 6-8:00 p.m. on Thursday at Blount & Curry Funeral Home, 605 S. MacDill Ave. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, May 20 at the funeral home. Private interment will be in Myrtle Hill Memorial Park. Flowers are welcome or those who so desire may make memorial contributions to the Shrines Hospitals for Children, or the Humane Society.