It is with sorrow and gratitude that we mark the passing of John Curry Sr. of Talladega, AL — sorrow at the loss, gratitude for the life.
Here is what we wish the world to know of John.
It is in the silence afterward that we hear how loud a life was.
Mr. John Ernest Curry, Sr. was affectionately known as Granddaddy, Big John, Big Bad John, Cool Breeze, Alabama Hammer, Uncle Buddy, and Mr. Buddy Curry. He was truly the original " My Buddy".
Mr. Buddy was born April 17, 1943, in Talladega, Alabama, to Samuel Sanders and Emma Lou Curry Hutchinson. He transitioned to a peaceful rest May 1, 2026, surrounded by loved ones and his family.
May 1, 1965, John proclaimed his love for Martha B. Garrett before God and vowed , "Until death do us part". Having that vow fulfilled to the exact day after 61 years is a rare and powerful example of enduring love. That is a profoundly moving testament to a lifelong promise.
John accepted Jesus Christ at a young age. He served God, over the years as a deacon, and as a faithful member of God wherever God ordered his steps to go.
Being a member of the Word of God Community Church, he embraced us with his love for God through song and praise.
He was educated in the Talladega County School System. After his studies he worked various jobs, as well as farming and gardening.
Big John was a very outgoing people's person who never met a stranger. He loved helping others by giving, and he also loved cooking and talking you into tasting something before knowing what it really is, (like Mountain Oysters, Raccoon, Rattlesnake). After you swallow; he tells you exactly what is .
Granddaddy enjoyed Drag racing, fishing, WWF Wrestling, and he loved his family.
He was the perfect comedian that was never on a stage but throughout his life he created his own stage everywhere he went.
He was the perfect jokester, and he always told the perfect stories, even if they were true or false. Some were told so good he believed them himself.
Uncle Buddy always saw his sisters, nieces, granddaughters, female cousins as Movie/Super stars. "You are beautiful, my movie Star", and a bite on the jaw was a signature kiss.
His earthly journey concluded on his 61st anniversary, yet his legacy continues to thrive. John is reunited with his cherished parents, beloved son John Curry, Jr., daughters, Tawana Renae Curry and Debra Ann Curry, brothers Terry Curry, Robert Curry, Larry Hutchinson, and sisters Eddie Mae Ragland, Mary Jo Scales, and Phyllis Beck.
He leaves behind a loving family that includes his devoted wife, Martha B. Curry, whom he shared a lifetime of adventures and unforgettable memories and he cherished her dearly. He is also survived by his sons Kenneth Kelley, Calvin Terrell, and Jeffery Whitson; brothers Bruce Hutchinson, Sr and Samuel (Ella) White; sisters, Patricia Pointer and Olivia Hawkins; two grandchildren he raised as his own, Alexzandria Curry and John Curry; and a special friend, Jeff Curry. Additionally, Buddy will be lovingly remembered by his in-laws, Frank (Vickie) Garrett, William (Carol) Garrett, Ina Mae Turner, Johnnie Mae Reaves, Willie Pearl (Pete) Campbell, Dianne Garrett, Onetha Garrett, and Bertha Garrett, along with a host of adoring grandchildren, great- grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
As we come together to celebrate the extraordinary life of Mr. Buddy Curry, we find comfort in the abundance of treasured memories and the legacy he leaves behind. 83 years young, he has fought a good fight of faith, family and love and he truly expressed it. Family and friends be encouraged to hold on to those memories and embrace one another in love.
Love never fails. May God strengthen your days and give you a peace that surpasses all understandings and may He replace your sorrows with an unspeakable Joy.
Amen.
