Pastor James G. Curry

The Life and Legacy of Rev. James Grear Curry

Reverend James “Peter” Grear Curry was born on December 28,1953 in Thomasville, Alabama to the late Thornton Curry and Emma Lee Stubbs-Curry. He was the youngest of three children. At an early age he professed the love for Christ at Airmount Church. He attended A.L. Martin and Thomasville High, where he played the clarinet. In 1973, he enlisted in the military. He then furthered his education at Auburn, Selma University, and Alabama Southern.

In 1975 he married the love of his life Annie Bell Chapman. They were married for 51 years, until his death. She was more than a wife. She faithfully nurtured him, their kids, his parents, and several loved ones,  and was by his side throughout his ministry.

Reverend James Curry has finished his race. He has kept the faith. And now, he rests in the presence of the One he served so faithfully. On Friday, April 24, 2026 he answered the Master’s call at DCH Regional Medical Center in Tuscaloosa, AL.

He had several successful careers that spanned decades, to which he served with due diligence. He was a military man (U.S. Army), a truck driver, a brick mason, a funeral home employee, a Career Ag Tech Teacher at Wilcox Central High School, and the Moderator for Bethel Baptist Association. However, his calling was pastoring. His was a shepherd to the following flocks: Mt. Zion in Pinehill, AL and New Hope in Thomasville, AL.

Reverend Curry lived a life that was truly for God and for others. Reverend Curry was more than a preacher—he was a shepherd, a counselor, a mentor, and a covering. His life was a living testimony of faith in action. He walked with the broken and stood with the strong. He prayed when others gave up. He believed when others doubted. And he loved—deeply, genuinely, and without condition. He did not just preach about God’s grace—he extended it. He did not just talk about faith—he lived it. His footsteps left imprints in places many will never see—hospital rooms, late-night phone calls, quiet prayers, and moments where he stood in the gap for others.

The community has lost a leader…

The church has lost a shepherd…

But Heaven has gained a faithful servant.

And while our hearts are heavy, we are reminded:

“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.” (Psalm 116:15)

He was a man whose life could not be separated from his faith—because everything he was flowed from his relationship with God. Before he was a pastor, before he was a leader, before he was anything to anyone else, he was a servant of the Most High. His devotion to God was not something he put on display—it was something he lived, quietly and consistently, in the moments no one else saw. He carried a spirit of humility that made people feel safe, seen, and valued. His prayers were not just words—they were lifelines. He didn’t just preach about God’s love; he became an extension of it. In his presence, burdens felt lighter, hope felt closer, and faith felt possible again.

To his family, he was more than a provider—he was a covering. He loved deeply, led gently, and gave sacrificially. His home was his first ministry, and he nurtured it with patience, wisdom, and unwavering commitment. He showed what it meant to love not just with words, but with time, presence, and intentional care.

To his church, he was a shepherd in the truest sense. He didn’t lead from a distance—he walked among his people. He celebrated their victories, wept with them in sorrow, and stood firmly beside them in every season. He taught not only through sermons, but through how he lived—steady, faithful, and anchored in truth.

To his community, he was a pillar. A man who showed up. A man who gave. A man who believed that change started with compassion and action. He reached beyond walls and titles, meeting people where they were and reminding them of who they could become.

But above all, he belonged to God.

Everything he did—every word spoken, every hand held, every life touched—was rooted in his desire to please God. His life was a reflection of obedience, surrender, and purpose. He understood that his calling was not about recognition, but about impact. He lived with eternity in mind. And now, though he has left this earthly place, his legacy continues—in every life he poured into, every soul he encouraged, and every seed of faith he planted.

He didn’t just serve God.

He honored Him with his life.

Reverend Curry was preceded in death by his parents, Thorton Curry and Emma Lee Curry, his brother, Thornell Curry, his son, HiShawn Curry, and his sister, Lois Blue.

Reverend Curry leaves to cherish his most precious memories to a Loving Wife, Annie Bell Curry of Thomasville, AL, a daughter, Natasha Gaines of Mobile, AL, a son,  Derrick (April) Curry of Birmingham, AL, 11 Grandchildren; Erica (Broderick) Powell, Jeremy York, Sheena Belt, Charkia Easter, Mariyah Curry, Londyn Curry, Taniya Curry, Mya Curry, Houston Curry, Xian Curry,  and Silo Curry,  four sister-in-laws; Mary Ann Curry of Andalusia, AL, Barbara Chapman, Sharon Chapman, and Mechell Chapman all of Chance, AL, five brother-in-laws; Jimmy Chapman, McClain Chapman, Harry Chapman, John Chapman, and Cornell Chapman all of Chance, AL, and a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and other family and friends.

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