William Wirt "Bill" Curry, Jr.

William Wirt "Bill" Curry Jr., 82, passed away on March 18, 2025, in Cumming, Georgia.

Born on May 25, 1942, in West Virginia, Bill lived a life marked by independence, humor, and love for family and friends. After a childhood spent in Holden, West Virginia, he attended the Kentucky Military Institute through high school, followed by college at the University of Kentucky and Eastern Kentucky University, where he met his wife, Rachel Marie Ogden. They married shortly after graduation, and he went on to proudly serve as a Navy lieutenant from 1966 to 1971, enduring the rigors of flight school to become a Navy pilot.

After his military service, Bill built a life filled with meaningful connections and cherished pastimes. He had a lifelong passion for cars and racing, always drawn to the thrill of speed and precision. His love for aviation extended beyond his military career, leading him to work as a private pilot, where he found as much joy in the skies as he did on the open road. He continued serving his country in the National Guard, flying Mohawk airplanes in and out of Winder, Georgia, throughout the 1980s.

In their retirement, Bill and Marie found great happiness living by the lake. Marie’s warm hospitality and Bill’s talent for pulling wild kids on the ‘Super Mabel’ ski tube made their home the go-to destination for kids, grandkids, cousins, and friends. After Marie’s passing in 2014, Bill continued to enjoy the lake and his wonderful neighbors. Whether sharing stories, lending a helping hand, or simply soaking up a beautiful day, his friendships there meant the world to him. He was often seen cruising across the water on his jet ski, his beloved dog, Jack, riding along—always up for an adventure.

Bill and his loyal dog, Jack, lived life on their own terms—independent and self-sufficient until the very end. When Bill suffered a heart attack on Saturday evening, he spent just two days in the ICU before passing, a brief pause in a life that was always lived freely and on his own terms.

Bill was preceded in death by his wife, Rachel Marie (Ogden) Curry. He is survived by his son, William Curry III, his wife, Marsha Curry, and their children, Emily (Curry) Dryden and Jake; as well as his daughter, Luann (Curry) Richardson, her husband, John Richardson, and their children, Sam, Sophie, and Tess. He is also survived by his two sisters, Gail (Curry) Miller and Mary Lou (Curry) Hawkins.

May his memory bring comfort to all who knew him.

A graveside service will be held at the family cemetery in Kentucky, where Bill will be laid to rest beside his beloved wife, Marie. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Bill’s honor to the Steger Family Cemetery.

Checks to: Steger Family Cemetery

299 Eden Avenue 3B

Bellevue, Ky 41073

Online contributions to cemetery upkeep through Go Fund Me:

https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-steger-cemetery-upkeep