Mark Curry Jr.

CURRY, Mark W. Jr., 84, of Tampa and Highlands, N.C., passed

away peacefully at his home Monday, May 16, 2011. Mark was born in St. Peters-burg, Fla., and was a lifelong resident of Tampa, graduating from Hillsborough High School and Worsham School of Mortuary Science. He proudly served in the U.S. Navy on the USS Baltimore during World War II. 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; and daughters, Frances "Cissy" Ryan and Barbara Gelsomino, with her husband, Mark. He is also survived by his grand-children, Elizabeth, Brock, Alexandria and James; along with his sister, Frances Vaughn; and numerous nieces and nephews. Mark also leaves his 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, N.C. 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 goes to his best friend, Ron Shelton, who was with him until the end. The family will receive friends 6-8 p.m. Thursday at Blount & Curry Funeral Home, 605 S. MacDill Ave. Funeral services will take place 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.