Professor Martin L. Curry

Professor Martin L. Curry, formerly a native of Key West, FL; a resident of Gainesville, FL; Gainesville, Marietta, Alto, and Demorest, GA, and finally Toccoa, passed away on Thursday, October 29, 2026.

Mr. Curry was born the only child of Thomas and Dorothy Curry in Key West. He was performing by the age of 3, singing a patriotic medley in a local talent show. In his youth he was a frequent participant in pick-up games of basketball, tennis and many other pursuits at nearby Bayview park, and enjoyed life on the water with his seaman turned electrician father & then locally numerous friends and family.

He graduated from Key West High School, where he was a prolific musician, performer, and member of the musical Conchs, playing a multitude of instruments including trumpet, French horn, drums, guitar, and piano. After high school he went on to form what was likely the first Rock and Roll band in Key West, and later recorded original music in Miami. Curry served briefly in the United States Army before being medically discharged.

Curry soon attended the University of Florida, receiving his Master’s degree in Education before teaching there for several years, helping to start the Florida Quarterly periodical, as well as winning “Teacher of the Year” honors more than once. While at UF, he was married for several years to Lindsay Stead, with whom he had one child.

After their divorce, he continued his teaching career in the 1970s & 1980s at Brenau College in Gainesville, GA publishing an informal collection of original poetry there and receiving further & frequent recognition from his students. Professor Curry retired from Brenau in the early 1990s.

During his academic career he was a colleague of southern writers Harry Crews at UF and Paul Hemphill at Brenau. Curry was a possible inspiration for the character Leo in Hemphill’s novel “King of the Road”, receiving a signed first edition from the author by way of gracious acknowledgment.

Curry spent his later retirement years studying quietly at various locations in rural Northeast Georgia, before a significant decline in his health necessitated his becoming a permanent client resident at Pruitt Health Toccoa in 2019. Much gratitude should be expressed to all the nurses and staff for their patience and compassionate commitment to care.

Family & friends wish to thank: Legacy Link Georgia Mountains Agency on Aging, the Toccoa Police, and the Toccoa Elks Club Lodge #1820.

Curry is survived by his son Christopher of Panama City, FL; and beloved friend & protector Sheri Berrong of Clarksville. He was 88.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Whitfield Funeral Homes & Crematory, South Chapel at 1370 Industrial Boulevard, Baldwin, Georgia 30511. Telephone: 706-778-7123.