Gary Curl

Gary Curl, 82, of Reidsville, Georgia, passed away at home on September 28, 2026. He was born on June 23, 1944, in Williston, Florida, to James Gary Curl and Piney Collins Curl. A 1963 graduate of Collins High School, Gary went on to serve two years in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, helping load artillery trucks headed to the battlefield.

Gary worked at GAF Roofing in Savannah for more than 18 years. He then spent 24 years with the Georgia Department of Corrections, serving as a transfer officer and firearms instructor at Georgia State Prison before retiring in 2003. A gifted sharpshooter, he earned numerous ribbons and trophies in shooting competitions. He also loved motorcycles. Gary and his wife, Velma, owned a Harley-Davidson and enjoyed participating in poker runs together for many years.

Gary was an active member of First Baptist Church Reidsville, where he served on the Benevolence Committee, volunteered with the Wednesday night AWANA children’s program, and served as an usher. He was a member of the Solo and Friends Sunday School Class until his health declined. He especially enjoyed grilling for his Sunday School class, the children’s church program, and family gatherings.

People who knew Gary spoke of what a fine man he was. His family knew him as a loving father to his children and bonus children, and they liked to say he became “spoiled” when he married Velma because she took such good care of him. He will be deeply missed by all who loved him.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Johnny Curl and Curtis Curl; his sister, Imajean Mounfort; his grandson, Lanier Holland; and his stepdaughter, Marcella Sapp.

He is survived by his wife of 23 years, Velma Beasley Curl; his children, Brian (Heather) Curl, Tisha (Bob) Holland, and Joey (Angela) Curl; his stepdaughter, Melissa Batton; his brother, James (Gail) Curl; and his sister, Betty Curl Brown (Ray). He is also survived by his grandchildren, Brittney (Dillon) Blizzard, Austin (Baylee) Curl, Chelsea (Will) Jarriel, Cassidy Holland, Cody Curl, Justin (Hannah) Curl, and Hope Dunkin; and numerous great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 3, at First Baptist Church Reidsville. The funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m., with Dr. Chuck Jonas officiating. Burial will follow at Sunlight Cemetery in Cobbtown.

Pallbearers will be Nathan Xiang Zhao, Austin Curl, Robert Curl, Jeremy Curl, Lamar Mungin, Jr., and Ricky Curl. The GSP Guards will serve as honorary pallbearers.

Flowers are welcome and donations may be made to Comfort Care Hospice 88 Heritage St, Baxley, GA 31513.