George Spencer Currin

“Boss”

George Spencer Currin, 80, passed away Tuesday, June 6, 2017 in the loving company of his wife, Leeda, and caregiver, Tony Simmons.

In addition to his wife, Leeda Stockton Currin, he is survived by daughter Mariah Currin and son-in-law Kevin Brewton, their children, Jackson and Audrey James Currin; daughter Cissy Currin and her children, Ashely and Spencer Hurteau; sister and brother-in-law Jean and Charlie Watkins; and many nieces, nephews, and close friends.

Born July 18,1936 in his home in rural Warren County, NC, he was the son of the late Daniel Gaston and Ava Bowden Currin. The youngest of five, he was a farm boy at heart, having spent his formative years on a tobacco farm in Middleburg, NC, where he was given the nickname “Bossman” (later shortened to “Boss”). George graduated from his beloved Fork Union Military Academy in 1954 and then from UNC-Chapel Hill in 1961, where his education was interrupted with two years service in the U.S. Army, a portion of that time stationed in Italy. When he returned to Chapel Hill, he arrived on campus in a cashmere coat and driving a Mercedes convertible. It was not long before Leeda fell for him and they married on August 5, 1961.

George spent the early years of his career in banking, first with Wachovia Bank in Asheville, Winston-Salem, and Charlotte and then with Southeastern Savings Bank. While in Winston-Salem, he also earned an Executive MBA at the University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business. George committed the remainder of his work life to Currin-Patterson Properties, the commercial real estate development company he founded with his dear friend, the late Larry Patterson. He was a respected member of the Charlotte business community, including serving thirty-seven years on the Board of Directors of The Cato Corporation.

George was active in every community in which he lived. He touched many lives and did much good. In Charlotte, he was a committed member of Myers Park Baptist Church, serving as a deacon and as chair of several ministries. He gave generously to many organizations. He also was a longtime trustee at Fork Union, and earned the school’s highest honor, the Col. R. L. Pulliam Award for Distinguished Leadership. George loved to play golf, but his happiest days were at his home on Lake Norman, where he spent countless hours boating.

The joy of George’s life was his family. He was devoted to his wife, children, and grandchildren (who called him “Popeye”), offering his time, love, counsel, and guidance. He spent innumerable hours attending school and outside events. He loved and was loved by many family dogs. And, his generosity to and genuine interest in everyone he met is the essence of who he was; many will remember the twinkle in his eye and the warmth of his presence. This will remain the source of many beautiful stories.

The family extends untold gratitude for the devotion provided these past years by his amazing caregiving team, Tony Simmons, Charles Randolph, Hakeem Sanders, and Godwin Okwu.

The visitation will be held on Sunday, June 11, at the home, 1921 Queens Road, from 5:00 - 7:30 pm. The service to celebrate George’s life will be held at Myers Park Baptist Church, 1900 Queens Road, on Monday, June 12 at 2:00 pm, with a reception to follow in Heaton Hall.

Anyone wishing to make a memorial gift is asked to make it to Fork Union Military Academy, 4744 James Madison Highway, Fork Union, VA 23055 (www.forkunion.com) or the charity of choice.