Lawrence Hopkins Curry Jr.

Born on February 4, 1935, in Anderson, South Carolina, Lawrence grew up with a deep love of learning and service. He graduated from the University of South Carolina with both a B.S. and an M.A. in History. During his time at Carolina, he was actively involved in campus life, serving as an officer in student government, president of the Kappa Alpha social fraternity, and president of the Inter-Fraternity Council. He was also deeply committed to the ROTC program, where he rose to the top cadet rank, reflecting the leadership and integrity that would define his life.

Following college, Lawrence began a distinguished military career, serving nearly thirty years in the United States Air Force and Air Force Reserve. His early service included duty with the 196th Reconnaissance Technical Squadron in Kaiserslautern, West Germany. He retired with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in 1984, proud of his years of dedication to his country.

After completing five years of active duty, Lawrence pursued his passion for history, earning a Ph.D. from Duke University. In 1968 he joined the faculty of the University of Houston, beginning a remarkable academic career that would span five decades. A gifted teacher and respected scholar, he became Professor Emeritus in 2001 but continued to teach until May 2018. Over the course of his career, he estimated that he taught more than 20,000 students, many of whom remembered him as a demanding, engaging, and inspiring professor. In fact, he was the first professor in UH history to be recognized for the coveted Teaching Excellence Award on three occasions.

For nearly twenty-five years, he also served as Associate Dean of Undergraduate Studies, helping shape the university he loved. Dr. Curry also served as the Marshall at UH Commencement for decades, proudly leading graduates in as they were honored for their academic achievements.

Houston became Lawrence’s cherished adopted hometown. He delighted in all the city had to offer—especially its vibrant arts community. He and his family held season tickets to the Alley Theatre, Houston Symphony, Houston Grand Opera, and Houston Ballet for over half a century.

A lifelong sports enthusiast, he was a devoted supporter of University of Houston football and basketball for more than fifty seasons and enjoyed cheering on the Astros, Rockets, Oilers, and later the Texans. Just as important to him were good food, good conversation, and the joy of running into former students around town—encounters that always brought a smile to his face. An enthusiastic record keeper, Lawrence logged hundreds of trips to Ninfa’s on Navigation and other local eateries in his famous journals.

Above all, Lawrence treasured his family. He is survived by his devoted wife of 33 years, Patricia Davie Curry; his sons, Lawrence Curry III, Theodore Curry and wife Amy, Andrew Curry and wife Jennifer; stepchildren Jean Hendrix and husband Jay, Mrs. Richard Fulton (Lisa), and Robert Fulton and wife Estela; fourteen grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by stepsons Thomas Fulton and Richard Fulton.

A special heartfelt “Thank You” to the ComForCare team for their loving care of Lawrence in his last year.

A memorial service celebrating Lawrence’s life will be held on Sunday, February 8, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Forest Park Lawndale Funeral Home, 6900 Lawndale Street, Houston, Texas, 77023.

Lawrence Curry lived a life of service, curiosity, loyalty, and love. He will be deeply missed and warmly remembered by all who knew him.