He grew up in Magnolia, Arkansas where he attended Magnolia High School and Southern State College, now Southern Arkansas University.
Horace enlisted and served honorably in the United States Army and United States Army Reserves.
After an honorable discharge from the Army, he began a career in the retail industry and later moved to Temple in 1972. He founded Sports World sporting goods store, which he owned and operated for over 33 years. Through his business and personal generosity, he supported numerous youth and community endeavors throughout the Temple area.
He married Dana Pope Bartek February 8, 1974, in Temple. Horace and Dana shared a wonderful life together. They especially enjoyed traveling and exploring the outdoors and scenic places throughout the United States, Canada and Europe. He treasured the experiences, the places visited, and the memories made along the way.
A man who never met a stranger, Horace was known for his friendly nature, conversation and genuine interest in others. His warm personality made him a familiar and welcome presence wherever he went.
Faith and service were also important parts of Horace’s life. He was a longtime member of Christ Episcopal Church, where he served as an usher. He later became a longtime member of First Methodist Church in Temple, where he served as an usher and was active in the adult Sunday School class. His quiet willingness to serve and love for church family were meaningful to him.
Above all, Horace will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend. His friendly spirit, generosity, love of people, and unmistakable gift for conversation left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.
He was preceded in death by his parents Robert and Ethel Curry; brother, Robert (Bob) Curry; and sister-in-law Florine (Flo) Curry.
He is survived by his wife Dana Curry of Temple, Texas; sons, Kevin Curry of Dallas, Texas and Scott Curry and wife Amanda of Boulder, Colorado; granddaughter Caroline Curry of Boulder, Colorado; niece Amanda Curry of Albuquerque, New Mexico; nephew Matt Curry and wife Debbie of Belton, Texas; brother-in-law Bert Pope and wife Marcia of Temple, Texas; brother-in-law Robert Pope and wife Marilyn of Plano, Texas; the Pope extended family nieces and nephews; the Bartek extended family; and dear friends.
Horace’s presence brought warmth and friendship to countless lives. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his family, friends, church family, and people he met.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday October 3, 2026, at 12:00pm with visitation at 11:00am at Temple First Methodist Church in Temple, Texas. Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association (www.alz.org) or the National Park Service (www.nps.gov/getinvolved/donate); or in his honor to a charity of your choice.
You are invited to share messages, memories or photos on his Scanio-Harper Funeral Home memorial page.
