August 4, 1930 – October 28, 2024
With profound sadness and love, we share news of the passing of William H. "Bill" Curry, whose 94 years exemplified humility, selflessness, and unwavering generosity. His passing was quick and exceedingly peaceful, surrounded by loving generations of family following a long struggle with failing health.
Born on August 4, 1930, in Omaha, Nebraska, Bill grew up in Kansas City's Brookside area. He attended Southwest High School and studied at the University of Kansas for three years before enlisting in the military, then completing his education at William Jewell College in Liberty, Missouri.
His extraordinary 69-year marriage to Dorothy became the cornerstone of a life dedicated to faith, family, and service. Together, they raised four children in the same Brookside neighborhood where Bill grew up, instilling in them the values of kindness, integrity, and commitment to others that defined his character.
From 1960 to 1986, Bill served as president and co-owner of the Charles F. Curry Company alongside his business partner Carl Willard. Together they purchased the company from Charles E. Curry in 1960. Bill remained active in the Company until 2000. His leadership style reflected his personal values: humble, principled, and focused on serving others. In 1985, Bill and Dorothy established the Curry Family Foundation, channeling their success into meaningful community support. The Foundation became instrumental in uplifting inner-city children and underserved families, particularly through initiatives like Operation Breakthrough and Gordon Parks Elementary, which Dorothy co-founded.
Bill was an ardent KU fan who relished every moment of cheering for the Jayhawks. As head of a family where many supported the rival Missouri Tigers, he took particular pleasure in the KU-Mizzou basketball rivalry. The arts held a special place in his heart, evidenced by his dedicated support of the Kansas City Symphony and the Harriman-Jewell Series at William Jewell College. Bill and Dorothy frequently attended performances together, sharing their love of music and culture with family and friends.
An accomplished golfer, Bill created lasting memories on the course with his children and grandchildren. His patient instruction, infectious laughter, and good-natured teasing about his superior game fostered family bonds that transcended the sport. On special occasions, you might be invited to join his regular group with Warren, Howard, Bill, Lee, Bob, and Mike and hear Bill utter his famous line "never saw it" when everyone knew his drive had gone straight down the middle as usual.
Bill leaves behind a loving family who will carry forward his legacy: his beloved wife, Dorothy Curry; sons David (Madeline) and Doug Curry (Pamela); daughters Karen O'Neill (Steve) and Lee Curry; grandchildren Tim Curry, TJ Curry, Will Curry, Alex (Amanda Sheppard) Curry, Nick (Meghan) Curry, Taylor (Austen) Schmidt, Courtney (Colson) Bayles, Etagegn O'Neill, Conor (Meredith) O'Neill, Patrick O'Neill, Asabe O'Neill, Hudson O'Neill, and Emily O'Neill; nine great-grandchildren and grand nieces and nephews: Addis, Harlem, Skylar, Conrad, Josephine, Sawyer, Willow, Henry, and Shep; his sister, Margerite Curry Willy; and sister-in-law Michelle (Dan) Bowers along with their children Lindsay (Nic) Hasselwander and Kenner (Hannah) Bower; brother in law Tom (Lucy) Fay. His loyal four-legged companion, Samson, is already missing their inseparable bond and Bill's daily presence at the office.
A funeral service celebrating Bill's extraordinary life will be held on Friday, November 1st, All Saints' Day, at 3:00 PM at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church.
In lieu of flowers, Bill would have appreciated memorial contributions to: St. Andrew's Episcopal Church ( standrewkc.org/give/ ) or Gordon Parks Elementary School ( gordonparks.org ) or by mail to: Gordon Parks Elementary School Memorial Fund for William H. Curry 3715 Wyoming Street Kansas City, MO 64111
William Hudson "Bill" Curry's legacy endures through the countless lives he touched with his kindness, the community he strengthened through his generosity, and the family he nurtured with endless love. His dedication to family, passion for sports, love of New York City and the arts, commitment to philanthropy, and joy in a well-played round of golf will forever inspire those who knew him.
