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Clifford Curry Obituary
Knoxville, TN
Clifford Curry, Jr., age 79, died September 7, 2016, at UT Medical Center. He was born November 3, 1939, in the Bearden area of Knoxville. He was a graduate of Austin High School, class of 1955. Clifford lived in Nashville, Tennessee, for over 20 years, and returned home a few years ago. Clifford being a big UT fan, recorded many albums and singles, and one in particular for Pat Summit, "Pat Summit Dat Gunmit." Clifford's billboard hit was "She Shot a Hole in My Soul" amongst other hits. Clifford traveled the world singing and writing music for many musicians. Clifford was known as the "King of Carolina Beach Music" and was inducted into the Beach Music Hall of Fame in 1995.
Preceded in death by his parents, Clifford Curry, Sr. and Annie Mae Curry; mother of his children, Mary Frances Curry; cousin, Mary Kathy Taylor; and grandson, Lawrence Holmes. He leaves to cherish his memory his sons, Tony E. Curry, Jackie F. Curry, and Clifford Curry, III; loving daughters, Deborah A. Curry, Jessica D. Blaylock (Chris), and Lydia D. Holmes; brother, Floyd "Bud" Curry; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren to include devoted granddaughter, Brittney N. Curry; loving friend, Gladys Jordan; a host of other family and friends to include John Myers, William Martin, Al Crawford, Ernestine Koroma, Jimmy Church, Mr. and Mrs. Archie Bell, John Lee Mills. He also leaves many fans, that became more like an extended family, whom are too numerous to name.
Saturday, September 17, 2016, the family of "Sweet Clifford" will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., with a celebration of life service to follow, at Overcoming Believers Church, 211 Harriet Tubman Street, Knoxville, TN 37915. Pastor Gene Thomas, Jr., eulogist. Mr. Curry will be laid to rest at Highland Memorial Cemetery, where a white dove release will conclude the service. Flowers may be delivered to the church the day of the service. All cards and correspondences may be sent to "The Family of Clifford Curry", at P.O. Box 6065, Knoxville, TN 37914. Professional arrangements entrusted to Patton Funeral Home, Brian L. Beckman, LFD 1-800-824-8283, or www.pattonfuneralhome1962.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Clifford Curry
KERRY P. HODGE
September 3, 2022
what a great vocalist and Christian man.
Ernestine Koroma
June 25, 2021
Clifford,
Leopard you have no idea how much I miss talking to you everyday I miss you even more now we have been in a crisis with a pandemic I am so glad you're safe miss you so much I talked to an but I I haven't been able to get in a response from my go she post on Facebook every now and then listen I just wanted you to know that I know I have a lot of people miss you I think about Bill at 2 I'll try to get in touch with his daughter and see how she's doing all right I'm going to take a little nap now bye
Joe Evelyn Valentine
September 22, 2016
Curry family. I would like to extend my deepest sympathy for the loss of your loved one.
I did not know Mr. Curry well but had an opportunity to work with him during my time at the Beck Cultural Exchange Center.
The Center had a throw back summer that year and Mr. Curry came to perform. That was the best Old School party in Knoxville year. Old Austin graduates came out and had a BALL.
The public will miss his physical presence but we are all blessed to have technology that will allows us to listen and remember better days through his work & talent.
God bless you all.
The Collegiates
Fred Amos
September 21, 2016
The Collegiates band from High Point, N.C. are blessed to know and also play with Clifford through the late 60's.
We will miss him greatly.
John Kittredge
September 20, 2016
Once you met Clifford, you felt you had known him forever. He was so kind and sweet, a true gentleman. Like many, he had a wonderful reputation. But his stellar reputation matched his true character--that is a rare combination where one's character actually mirrors his reputation. That is because he was genuine and authentic to his core. Jesus saw a man at a distance and remarked, "there is a man without guile." That is so rare these days--Jesus could have been referring to Clifford. I am reminded of an old song, Remember When, by the Platters. The song closes with these words: "I loved you then, and I still do. I cant, remember when, I didnt love you." Clifford, rest in peace.
Kathy White Robinson
September 18, 2016
Condolences to the Curry Family
Prayers are ordered for you in the time of your transition,
May God be your anchor to strengthen you as days to come.
What a great friend. Clifford is at home now.
CHARLES B. SUGGS
September 17, 2016
CHARLES B. SUGGS
September 17, 2016
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Foster Arnett
September 17, 2016
What a wonderful and talented man. My wife and I met "sweet Clifford" several times and have a photo of the three of us in our den. He was always so kind and nice. Rest well Clifford!
Ben & Rosita Davis
September 16, 2016
Our deepest sympathy to the family. Our prayers are with you. Clifford will be forever remembered for his grace and through our love of his music, will live forever. May God Bless and Keep You. Rest in Peace.
Chenitha Drake
September 16, 2016
To the family my deepest sympathy. Clifford was a true friend of mine for many years. I will remember him and our good times and some bad. I will continue to left the family up in prayer and my the Lord strengthen you all during this time. God Bless! Charles A. McDuffey, Sr.
September 16, 2016
So sorry for your loss. May loving memories bring strength and peace to the Curry family during this time. Clifford is now singing again with Lewey and Dewey Guy (organizers of The Fabulous Six band) and Jerry Johnson (another band member). The angels have a new band. A friend will be missed.
Sue Guy and Judy Guy - Knoxville, TN
Brina Faye Anderson-Bragg
September 16, 2016
Sincere condolences
Kay Williams-Moulden
September 16, 2016
To The Family,
Our prayers are for strength and comfort during this time and days to come. Mr. Curry would always come to my Moms restaurant (Williams Lunchroom)when he was in town. Always had a smile and everyone enjoyed talking with him. He gave my parents an autograph picture. Keep your eye on Jesus He will see you through.
September 16, 2016
Clifford, James and I will always remember the great times we had when you stopped by to see us on your way home from Myrtle Beach. You and I had a great time watching Ma and Pa movies. God has you now and James and I will always remember you for you goodness and kindness. No one could have ask for a better friend. As you always wrote on my cd's God bless. You truly will be missed but now you are singing in heaven singing with percy and all your other friends. You are dearly missed but now you are whole again and no more pain...James and Liz King
Randy Layne
September 16, 2016
I can barely remember a time when I didn't know Clifford. What a gentleman! I had the pleasure of playing guitar with Clifford from the time I was 19 in Knoxville and after we both moved to Nashville in the mid-80's. We wrote "Be Serious" together in 1977, a song Clifford was always very proud of as I was to have shared it with him. I know that God welcomes Clifford home and I pray for the family and their hearts to heal after this great loss. Love you, Clifford.
Klem Jones
September 16, 2016
Rest in Peace - Knoxville's Sweet Clifford Curry; "She Shot A Hole In My Soul"
Sharon Brown JoAnna Booker and Family
September 16, 2016
Our heart, thoughts and prayers are with the Curry family at this time. My mom, JoAnna Thompson Booker and uncles and aunt, Roy Thompson, Charles Thompson and Carolyn Chambers grew up with Mr. Clifford. They would come in town and Mr. Clifford and my family would sit around and give us a full fledge concert. Beautiful voices, my uncle sung back up on a couple of his records. The heavenly choir got another beautiful voice. May your memories bring you comfort and may GOD wrap his loving arms around you all for peace.
Helen Waters & Family
September 16, 2016
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998
miller
September 15, 2016
Rip, condolences to the family.
. from the Miller's
Hattie Carson
September 15, 2016
Condolences RIP
Kyle Hanley
September 15, 2016
My sympathies to the Curry family. I've enjoyed this mans work for a long time.
RIP, you're a Knoxville Legend.
Howard Walters
September 15, 2016
Clifford, ole buddy, Linda and I, Howard Walters, HAVE ENJOYED KNOWING AND LOVING YOU AND TAKING CARE OF YOU AT CONCERTS, BEACH music EVENTS AND COMMUNICATING WITH YOU ON A REGULAR BASIS AS your true friends, FOR OVER 46 YEARS IN RALIEIGH NC AND NOW KANNAPOLIS NC. YOU WILL TRULY BE MISSED. OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS GO OUT TO YOUR FAMILY AND OTHER FRIENDS AND ASSOCIATES WHO HAVE GROWN TO LOVE YOY . GOD BLESS EVERYONE!
Barbara Hall Jenkins
September 15, 2016
Classmate, your presence at our class reunions will be truely missed. Rest in peace.
Your classmate,
Barbara Hall Jenkins
KERRY & JUDITH HODGE
September 15, 2016
Condolences to the extended CURRY family and friends...and fans.Knoxville,Nashville,and Myrtle Beach will not be the same w/o your wonderful R&B vocals and entertainment.RIP my friend.
Anita Watson-Furlow
September 15, 2016
Uncle Clifford you will be truly missed. You in heaven with aunt and my nanny and granddaddy, uncle ross and with the rest of the family. We love you and will miss you.
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