Cecil Barr CURREY

CURREY, Cecil Barr, age 80 of Lutz, passed away on March 12, 2013. Cecil was born November 29, 1932 on a farm near Clarks, NE, the youngest of five children of Cecil C. and Edith E. Currey. During adolescence, he worked various jobs to help with expenses and earn his way in the world. Upon high school graduation in 1950 he attended Friends Bible College, Haviland, KS in 1951. There he met his beloved Laura Gene, falling instantly in love and marrying her in 1952. They celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in 2012. He continued his education at Ft. Hays Kansas State University (M.Sc. 1959) and Kansas University (Ph.D. 1965). While completing his education, he was ordained a Congregational minister and pastored two churches in Kansas and Nebraska. He taught briefly at Nebraska Wesleyan and Nebraska University before moving to Tampa. He became full Professor of History at the University of South Florida, teaching from 1967, until retiring Professor Emeritus in 2002. He loved teaching his students, found fulfillment in them and was proud of those who sought higher education. Dr. Currey authored many books on US history, Benjamin Franklin, early American history, Vietnam War and Military history, often serving as a local expert/analyst on radio and news television shows. Colonel Currey served two years active duty in the US Army, followed by service in the Florida National Guard and US Army Reserve until he retired as a Colonel from the Chaplain Corps in 1992. Some highlights of his military career were attending Command and General Staff College in Ft Leavenworth, KS, and his assignment to the Chaplain's Office in the Pentagon for several duty tours, as well as his service at Ft. Rucker, AL. Dr. Currey enjoyed the fellowship of his church, Cornerstone Presbyterian. He also loved traveling with his wife. They were able to visit all 7 continents and all 50 States. Cecil acquired land in Montana and liked spending time there with his family. Left to mourn his passing are his wife of 60 years, Laura Gene; their three children, and five grandchildren: Samuel Currey married to Jennifer S. Currey (Christa); Anne Currey Conte, married to A. Alessio Conte (A. Benjamin & Annalise) and Laura Currey Tack, married to Timothy N. Tack (Mara & Emalia) and godsons: Christopher McComb and Patrick Depeuhl, sister: Nellie Millette, many nieces, nephews and friends. A visitation will be held from 2-3pm with a funeral service at 3pm, Monday, March 18, 2013 at Blount & Curry Carrollwood Chapel. Private burial will be at Florida National Cemetery at later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Lifepath Hospice, development@ chaptershealth.org