Michael R. Curry

Retired United States Army National Guard SSG Michael R. Curry died at home on December 29th, 2020 with family at his side. Born March 15th, 1967, Michael was preceded in death by his mother Nancy, and brothers Brian and Billy. He is survived by his father Oliver; wife Shawn; and children: John (Ashleigh), Andrew (Olimpia), Emily (Reid) , and Kyle. He was proud, and quite surprised to have lived long enough, to be known as Grandpa “Papa” Mike by Lasca, Winry, Jordyn, and Tristyn.

Never one to follow convention, it only took Mike 36 years, three bootcamps (plus one police academy), and seven honorable discharges to make it to a very reluctant retirement. He actively served in the Army, Navy, and Army National Guard, while taking time between military enlistments to (among other things) coach high school baseball, serve with two different Sheriff’s offices, and run a rifle range. He survived multiple tours of duty to Iraq and Afghanistan, and later used his experience and vast knowledge to train others as a Marksmanship Instructor with the SIM Center in Anniston, AL. Among his many awards were four Army Commendation Medals, an Air Medal, and a Meritorious Service Medal. He was proud to have earned his Combat Infantry Badge, and a Governor’s Twenty patch. His knowledge and influence will be passed to countless generations, as he worked

exhaustively to help design and implement the AL National Guard “Train the Trainer” program. He was also highly involved with the transition of the SIM team to the new Lethality Group. He was especially honored to work individually with Soldier of the Year candidates and the Alabama National Guard shooting team.

Come share your stories and “Curryisms” at the Chapel Hill Funeral Home at 542 W. 52nd St., Anniston, AL on Wednesday, December 30th, 2020, from 3-4:30 pm. Michael will be laid to rest alongside his fellow servicemen at the Alabama National Military Cemetery in Montevallo, Alabama, at 11 am on Thursday, December 31st, 2020, with military honors. Pastor Ray Morris, 49th St. Baptist Church in Anniston, will officiate.

A very, very special thank you to Dr. Sehbai, and his wonderful team at the Alabama Cancer Care Center of Anniston, AL, and to the Compassus Hospice team for all you have done to make these past years and days possible. The list of very special people in Mike’s life are too numerous to count, but thank you to all who came to visit, called, prayed, sent pictures, brought food, or otherwise helped to brighten Mike’s last days.

Mike and the family have two very special requests to those who would remember him. He asks first that you would eat a cinnamon roll on Christmas Day in honor of him and his friend (and fellow soldier) Phil Alexander. It’s a family tradition dating back to a certain special day in Iraq when two old, tired, crusty soldiers had a break from hazardous duty long enough to share more than hardship. The second request is that when his headstone is finished, that you take the time someday to stop in and leave your coin. To his friends and fellow teammates, He says, “It’s been an honor... it’s been an honor to have served with you