Jerry L. Curry Sr., 87, of Martin, died Friday, July 1, at his home in Martin.
He was born March 26, 1935, in Martin, the son of Russell and Florence (Knight) Curry. In 1950 Jerry joined the Watson Bible Church where he remained a member until his passing. On August 5, 1955, in Watson, Township, he married Dorla Kent, whom he had known since eighth grade.
Jerry was a lifelong resident of Martin. He excelled in football, basketball, baseball and track during his high school career. Well known for his athletic accomplishments throughout Bar-Ken Al League he was a 1955 graduate of Martin High School.
Jerry worked for Brown Company, Eaton Corporation and retired from Martin High School in 2002 as a maintenance supervisor. During his time with Martin Public Schools he was awarded the employee of the year in 1999-2000. He continued his athletic participation after high school playing baseball for the Bradley Indians, fast pitch softball for Eaton Corporation, slow pitch softball for McLeod’s, and umpired high school baseball and softball.
He was an active member of the Martin Athletic Boosters Club, working at the Martin craft show for 14 years. He was a loyal fan of Clipper athletics for more than 50 years. In 2006 he was honored by the Martin wrestling team as “Most Faithful Fan” and on Feb. 16, 2007, he was inducted into the Martin Hall of Fame.
Surviving are his children, Beth McGuire of Martin; Jerry Jr. (Pat) Curry of Martin; Bradley (Janet) Curry of Canyon Lake, TX; Tim Curry of Martin; and Chris Curry of Plainwell; 11 grandchildren, Amber (Chris) Johnson of Traverse City, MI; Steven (Alysa) McGuire of Stanwood; Michael (Natalie) McGuire of Kalamazoo; Jennifer Curry of Martin; Eric (Lisa) Curry of Cooper; Dana (Clay) Moore, Andy (Leigh) Curry, and Sara Curry of Canyon Lake, TX; Kailee Curry of Otsego; Courtney (Matt) Lesley of Charlotte, NC; and Carissa Curry of Plainwell; 15 great-grandchildren; sister, Shirley Buskirk of Martin; brother, Jack Curry of FL; and sisters-in-law, Sharon (Chick) Curry of Martin; Marva Curry of Gun Lake; Marilyn Curry of Portage; and Jan (Dan) Hamilton of FL.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Dorla; parents; and brothers, Robert Curry, Larry Curry and Russell Curry Jr.
Friends may visit with Jerry’s family from 9 until 10:30 a.m. Saturday with the funeral taking place at 11 a.m. at Watson Bible Church, 1626 116th Ave., Otsego, with Pastor Mike Hasper officiating.
Based on Jerry’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a private burial will follow at South Martin Cemetery.
Contributions in memory of Jerry may be made to Watson Bible Church, the Martin Athletic Boosters, or Wings of Hope Hospice of Allegan County.
