Neil McCurry Sr.

1936 - 2026

Neil was born and raised in Shelby, North Carolina. He retained his North Carolina roots, a southern gentleman to the end, but Bradenton, Florida was his home.



During college at Wake Forest University, he met and married Bettye Sue Knott, his wife of 67 years. Neil interrupted his college education to serve in the Army for two years. He was stationed in Germany and worked in Finance, his college major. After Bettye graduated Wake Forest University, she joined Neil in Germany. They began their marriage with a love of travel and sense of adventure which remained constant during their lifetime together. From zigzagging across Europe in a used Opel and camping in sleeping bags in the Black Forest in 1958 to travelling the world from the Arctic to Antarctica.



After their return from Germany, Neil continued his education and graduated from Wake Forest University with a B.S. degree in Finance. Neil and Bettye moved to Atlanta, Georgia, where Neil began his banking career with First National Bank of Atlanta, also attending and completing the School of Banking of the South. In 1967, Neil accepted a position as a banking executive at Manatee National Bank at which time Neil and Bettye moved to Bradenton with their young family, Liane, Neil Jr. and Steadman. After the sale of the bank in 1973, Neil would go on to be a successful real estate investor and operator.



Neil and Bettye made Bradenton their community and lifetime home. A community which both served, sharing their abilities and time; Neil particularly, Christ Episcopal Church; St. Stephens Episcopal School, and the Manatee Community Foundation.



Neil and Bettye instilled in their young children their love of exploring this country by travelling across the United States every summer to visit all of the US National Parks, and through Canada. Neil and Bettye continued to pass on their love of travelling to their grandchildren, memorably salmon fishing in Alaska and their last family trip to Montana. When not travelling, they spent their summers in the mountains of North Carolina and Chester, Nova Scotia. Neil loved his many years of golfing with his friends at Bradenton County Club, followed by gin-rummy in the locker room.



Neil built enduring friendships with so many in his community. He cherished his friendships, which were a significant part of the fabric of his life. Neil never told anyone who he was, he showed who he was: a man of honor whose word was his pledge; a steadfast and devoted husband, father, grandfather, friend and active community member. He taught his children and grandchildren, by word and example, what was true, what was worthy, what was right.



Neil leaves behind his beloved wife, Bettye; his devoted children, Liane McCurry, and Neil Davis McCurry, Jr. (wife Katie); daughter in law, Pamela McCurry; Grandchildren, Sara, Hannah, Bebe and Stead McCurry and Sister Jean Lineberger, to join his son, John Steadman McCurry.



Neil was a good and faithful servant, and to all who knew him and loved him, we honor Neil and his life, with a unison of "well done."



Funeral Service

Thursday, February 12, 2026, 11:00 a.m.

Christ Episcopal Church, 4030 Manatee Avenue W. Bradenton, Florida

Reception to follow in Parish Hall



In lieu of flowers please feel free to make a donation to either the Manatee Community Foundation or the Manatee Players.