John Eugene "Gene" Curry

John Eugene Curry, 79, formerly of Magnolia, AR, passed away Saturday, September 14, 2013 surrounded by his family and caregivers in his home in Texarkana, AR. John was a descendent of one of the founding families of Columbia County and was a graduate of Southern State College in Magnolia. He was a local business owner of Thriftway Grocery, Curry's Drive Inn and Curry's Short Stop and after retiring he was a greeter at Kmart and WalMart. He was a fan and supporter of Razorback football and also a supporter of the Arkansas School for the Blind. He was a member of Immanuel Baptist Church of Magnolia. John is survived by his wife of 47 years, Martha Mellinger Curry; his three daughters Jeanne Murphy of Plano, TX, Lorri Moore and husband Eric of Texarkana, AR and Sharon Prather and husband Todd of Clinton, MS; brother Ray Sullivan; sister Betty Jo McKammie; five grandchildren Eric Murphy of Plano, TX, Jessica Murphy of Dallas, TX, Kelsey Meadows of Jackson, TN, Noah and Bailey Prather of Clinton, MS; three step-grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; nine step-great-grandchildren; and a number of other family members. John is preceded in death by his father John B. Curry and his mother's Corrie Curry and Ruth Stroman and granddaughter Jennifer Murphy. A visitation will be held at Lewis Funeral Home in Magnolia on Tuesday, September 17 from 6-8 p.m. Graveside services will be Wednesday, September 18 at 2 p.m. at the Magnolia City Cemetery with Bro. Tommy Mellinger officiating under the direction of Lewis Funeral Home, Inc. of Magnolia. Honorary pallbearers will be Eric Moore, Todd Prather, Noah Prather, Elwynn New, and Cliff New. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Galilee Baptist Church Building Fund, 117 Galilee Rd, El Dorado, AR, 71730.