Caswell Garrett McCurdy Sr.

Caswell Garrett McCurdy Sr. went home to his reward the morning of January 16, 2025. “Mr. Caswell,” born July 26, 1930, to Edward and Mary Garrett McCurdy, dedicated his life to his family, country, and the community of Lowndesboro.

Proverbs 10:4 says, “Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth.”

At the age of 13, Caswell’s limitless work ethic began. He started as a dairy farmer, but would move on to farming cattle, turkeys, chickens, and row crop. He built ponds all over Alabama and enjoyed dirt-moving work. In the midst of all the work, he found time for one year of play on the Auburn University football team.

Caswell served on the Pardons and Parole Board and was a town council member for Lowndesboro for over 50 years. One of his greatest contributions to Lowndes County was the water system.

Caswell was also a founding member of the Lowndes County Republican Party. But ran for state senate as a Democrat in 1962. He won by two votes but never served. The state was redistricted, making Caswell the last senator elected from Lowndes County. His sole purpose for running was to oppose the legalization of dog racing and his goal was accomplished.

In 1954, Caswell began his service to his country in the armed forces. While training at Ft Knox, he was named “Outstanding Trainee of the Day” by the 3rd Armored Division (Major General Gordon B Rogers) and finished with the highest grade in his class. He was stationed in Korea (January 28, 1955) but was discharged early. His brother Eddie lost his leg in an accident and needed Caswell to run the farm. The farm is where he was always meant to be.

Caswell was known as being a hard worker, true patriot, and civil servant but he was also known as the patriarch of the McCurdy family of Lowndesboro. On June 27, 1953, Caswell married Marion Jean McVay. They were just shy of celebrating 69 years of marriage until Jean’s death in May of 2022. Together they raised two sons, Mitchell Garrett McCurdy and Caswell Garrett McCurdy Jr. and they have grown to become pillars of the Lowndesboro community just like their dad. In 1988, Caswell was named Father of the Year by the Lowndes County Cattlemen’s Association.

Caswell and Jean were deeply committed to serving the town of Lowndesboro. As a tribute to the couple’s service, July 4, 2011, was recognized as “Jean and Caswell McCurdy Day,” by Mayor Rick Pate.

Caswell was also a lifelong member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, where he and Jean faithfully attended services. They raised their family to know Jesus Christ as Lord, a legacy that has continued for three more generations.

Caswell was preceded in death by his wife, Jean; parents, Edward and Mary Garrett; siblings: Lewis, Eva, and Edward; and great-grandson, Caswell Garrett McCurdy III “Wells.” He is survived by: sons Garrett McCurdy (Rachel) and Cas McCurdy (Dale); grandchildren: Frazer McCurdy (Jordan), Matthew McCurdy (Laken), Mallory Mothershed (Chase) Laura Jean McCurdy (Tyler Mitchell), Mason McCurdy; and great-grandchildren: Stella McCurdy, Sarah Chapman McCurdy, Ann Wells McCurdy, Merritt McCurdy, and Huck McCurdy.

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters." Colossians 3:23 The life of Caswell Garrett McCurdy Sr. illustrated this scripture well.

A graveside service honoring Caswell McCurdy will be held at Oakview Cemetery in Lowndesboro, AL at 2:00 pm. All that wish to celebrate a life fully lived, are invited to attend. Paul bearers: Billy McCurdy, David McCurdy, Ed McCurdy, Keith McCurdy, Frazer McCurdy, Matthew McCurdy, and Mason McCurdy.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Lowndes Academy or St. Paul’s Episcopal Church.