Willie Wallace Curry

In Loving Memory of Willie W. Curry Sr.

Willie W. Curry Sr., 89, passed away Peacefully surrounded by his family on May 28, 2025, at the Norman Veteran Center in Norman, Oklahoma. A proud son of New Orleans, Louisiana, he was born on November 21, 1935, the only child of Alma Curry. Willie led a life defined by service, strength, and deep devotion to his family and community.

After graduating high school, Willie answered the call to serve his country and enlisted in the United States Air Force in June 1954. He trained in hydraulics at Chanute Air Force Base in Illinois and soon began a journey that would take him around the world. It was during his first assignment in England that he met and married his first wife, Margaret P. Johnson, on December 7, 1956, in Manchester. Their union welcomed four beloved children: Willie Jr., Maxine, Wendall, and Lance.

The family settled in Oklahoma, at Altus Air Force Base, where Willie continued to serve with distinction. Other assignments include Forbes Air Force Base in Topeka, Kansas, and England Air Force Base in Alexandria, Louisiana. In March 1972, in Alexandria, he married his second wife, Narvell P. Curry, with whom he shared a devoted and lasting partnership until her passing in 2014. A Vietnam veteran, he retired from the Air Force in August 1974 after more than two decades of honorable service.

Willie's dedication to public service extended into civilian life. In 1975, he became a juvenile probation officer in Alexandria, Louisiana, later serving as Warden of the Rapides Parish Jail with the Sheriff's Office until his retirement in 1993. He was known not only for his leadership but for his calm, fair-minded presence and a sincere passion for helping others find their way.

Willie was a man of many passions. He had a deep love for fishing, card games (especially Pinochle), dominoes, photography, videography, and even flying drones in his later years. He was curious, adventurous, and never stopped learning. He could talk to anyone, connect with everyone, and left lasting impressions wherever he went. He loved to travel, had a fondness for animals (especially dogs), and even had an unexpected appreciation for pythons.

He is preceded in death by his beloved wife Narvell P. Curry, former wife Margaret P. Oxendine, his mother Alma Curry, mother-in-law Luella Williams, sister-in-law Betty Madison, and nephew Robert A. Madison Sr. Willie leaves behind a rich legacy through

his children: Willie W. Curry Jr. (Victoria) of Niceville, Florida; Maxine L. Colson of Midwest City, Oklahoma; Wendall C. Curry (Deirdre) of Midwest City, Oklahoma; and

Lance D. Curry (Umekki) of Washington, D.C. He is also survived by 11 grandchildren, a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, extended family, and cherished friends.

To know Willie was to witness a life lived fully, rooted in service, uplifted by joy, and grounded in love. He leaves behind not just memories, but a model of dignity, resilience, and kindness that will continue to inspire all who knew him. A private memorial service will be held by the family in Oklahoma City. The Curry family has entrusted Oklahoma City Cremation Chapel to direct the memorial service, 807 W. Wilshire Blvd, Oklahoma City, OK 73116. Service date: June 20, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. He will later be interred in Alexandria at Garden of Memories Cemetery. Details will follow.

Our family would like to thank everyone for all the love and