Pastor Richard Curry

Pastor Richard L. Curry, affectionately known as “Chop Chop,”a prestigious man of God was called home peacefully on January 2, 2019 where he resided in Virginia Beach, Virginia. He was born November 28,1943 to mother, Francis Wynn and predeceased father, Prather Wilson. He was a loving husband to his wife, First Lady Deborah Phillips-Curry. 

            He was a native of Greenville, South Carolina and a devoted former resident of the historic “Greasy Corner,”a prominent community of black owned businesses. He graduated from Sterling High School in 1962. He was voted most popular, best dancer, and most witty. In 2012, he was also inducted into the Piedmont Athletic Association Hall of Fame for his achievements in Sports at Sterling High. 

            He was a retired Chief in the United States Navy. He served for over 20 years. He fought in the Vietnam War and was stationed on the U.S.S. Enterprise. He travelled the world and was the only African American on the Navy baseball team.

            Pastor Curry was ordained in 1980 by Rev. Dr. Matthew Lewis at First Lynnhaven Baptist Church where he served as an associate minister and Sunday school teacher. He received a Bachelor of Theological Studies degree from St. Leo University in 1983. He was installed as the Pastor in 1984 and was an invaluable faithful servant who dedicated his life to the members of New Piney Wood Chapel Missionary Baptist Church (NPWC). Rev. Curry served as the Pastor of NPWC in Gates County, North Carolina for 35 years. Under Pastor Curry's leadership, he increased membership, ordained 30 ministers, implemented and awarded the E.M. Lewis Scholarship, helped modernize the church, developed a fellowship hall, and a plethora of many more accomplishments. 

         He was the epitome of loyalty and it permeated every area of his life. He had a servant’s heart - a genuine passion for people and he always led by example. He lifted spirits and inspired souls everywhere he went.

            He created the Christian Homeboy Ministries, Inc. where the vision was to recruit 10,000 Christian Homeboys worldwide who would lead at least one person to Christ each month. Pastor Curry was a man with a vision and throughout his life he received many certificates, awards of recognition for his outstanding community leadership. 

            Pastor Curry was an avid golfer, enjoyed health and fitness and loved cooking. His sweet potato pies made you wanna “slap yo momma.”He will be truly be missed. 

            Pastor Curry was preceded in death by: the mother of his children, Virginia Watkins; grandparents, Haywood and Vera Mae Curry; father, Prather Wilson; two sisters, Barbara Jean Monroe, Carolyn Wynn; one step-son, Quincy Phillips.

          He leaves to carry on his legacy: his wife, Deborah Phillips-Curry; mother, Frances Wynn; one sister, Catherine Redick; one brother, William Carter; one son, Eric Curry (Michelle) three daughters, Tara Dupee (Charles), Monica Curry, Carolyn Howe-Curry (Tonya); one step-daughter Brittany Phillips; nine grandchildren, Kristal Bell, Erica Uzzle, Carmen Washington, Breanna Curry, Kathryn Curry, James Greene, Richard Curry II, Elijah Curry, Goddess Curry and a host of nieces, nephews, great grandchildren, and friends who became family.

A Celebration of Life will take place on Friday, January 11, 2019 at 3:00 pm at First Lynnhaven Baptist Church, 2744 Robert Jackson Dr., Virginia Beach, VA 23452.  Followed by a service at the church in which he pastored, New Piney Wood Chapel Baptist Church, 1109 Drum Hill Rd, Gates, NC on Saturday January 12, 2019 at 11:00 am. His final resting place will be at God's Garden, the church cemetery in which he founded.

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