Tuscaloosa prepares to say goodbye to George Curry

TUSCALOOSA, AL (WBRC) - Growing up in Tuscaloosa shaped George Curry into the journalist and adult he would grow into in manhood.

Saturday, this son of Tuscaloosa returns home one last time to be eulogized and laid to rest.

Wreaths with red, white and black roses line the doors of Weeping Mary Baptist Church for his funeral. Elizabeth Taylor Chambers, a family friend, will be there to say farewell.

"He has just always been an inspiration. I think to a lot of people to let people know what you can do from humble beginnings," Chambers said.

Curry grew up in the old McKenzie Court public housing community. He and Tuscaloosa City Council President Harrison Taylor were classmates at Druid High School.

"He was known and loved all the country. But Tuscaloosa knew and loved him first," Taylor added.

Curry left Tuscaloosa for Knoxville College to study journalism. His syndicated column ran in more than 200 African American-owned newspapers.

He became the first African-American elected president of the American Society of Magazine Editors.

"He always kept the issues, the black issues before this country and the consciousness of the country," Taylor explained.

Loved ones expect packed sanctuary for his funeral service Saturday.

Services are at 11 a.m.

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