James Ralph Curl

James Ralph Curl, age 84, a loving husband, father, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend to all, took the hand of the Lord to ascend to a quieter and gentler place on Monday, August 17, 2020.  He was the first-born son of Ralph and Alma Edenfield Curl, born on August 29, 1935, in Soperton, GA.  Early in his youth, the family moved to Reidsville, where James spent his formative years.  In 1953, he graduated from Reidsville High School and went on to Middle Georgia College.  He would ultimately graduate with his bachelor’s degree from Austin Peay College in 1957.  Upon graduation, he would go on to serve his country for over 25 years in the U.S. Marine Corps, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel.  During his military career he would marry Frances Miller and the two would have a son, James Jr.  His years of service would take him to 20 countries, including Vietnam, where he would serve one tour of duty.  His personal decorations included the Bronze Star with Combat “V” and the Naval Commendation Medal.  Following an impressive career in the military, he would go on to teach for over 15 years in the Seminole County Florida school district, including the R.O.T.C. class for the district.  In 1997, he would marry Linda Lieb Chidester, his soul mate.  The couple would retire to James’ hometown of Reidsville in 1998.  Linda made clear to James that she wanted to “know everyone in town”, and in thus set forth the next chapter in their life.  Following their move “home”, he and his wife endeavored on to spend their golden years in service and sacrifice, determined to leave their community a better place for future generations.  As a result of their dedicated service and commitment to community, they received the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2017 from the Greater Tattnall Chamber of Commerce.  Dedication was always used to describe James; this is further evidenced by his 66 years of membership in the Reidsville Baptist Church.  He served as a Deacon as well as sang in the choir for a number of years.  For over 21 years he was a member of the Reidsville Lions Club, where he would serve every officer position (sometimes two or three times).  Additionally, he was a Lifetime member of the VFW Post 7764 in Reidsville, where he served as Sr. Vice Commander for a number of years. In his free time, he was an avid golfer.  He has a lifetime record of four holes-in-one; two of which were made at the Brazell’s Creek Golf Course in Reidsville. He loved the game so much that he even volunteered to work at the club for a number of years and considered that a highlight of his life. James truly was an amazing man who greatly enriched the lives of all who met him.  He gave so many cherished memories and special times in his loving care and devotion to all his family and friends.  James’ legacy is a life exemplifying service, sacrifice, and above all selflessness in everything he did. A shining light in a dark world, James’ light will continue to shine even in his absence.  Indeed, he was a gentle, caring, and thankful man to the very end of his life on earth.  A true gentleman even in the trying times that a long illness brings.  He set the example of how to die with kindness, grace, and honor.  His presence will be missed and his loved ones will cherish his memories.

Left to reflect a lifetime of love given are his wife, Linda Curl of Reidsville; his son, James (Brenda) R. Curl, Jr. of Charlotte NC; a stepson, Dr. Matthew (Tiffany) Chidester of Beaverton, OR; a step-daughter, Dr. Rebecca (Scott) Ripley of Midlothian, VA; a brother, Roy Jack (Jackie) Curl of Warner Robins, GA; two sisters, Grace Yawn-Scott and Mary Curl, both of Reidsville, GA; two grandsons, Zack and Brad Curl of Charlotte, NC; five step-grandchildren, Joseph, Holly, and Ryan Chidester of Beaverton, OR and Emerson and Ada Ripley of Midlothian, VA; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, and many dear friends.

He will never be forgotten, for many reasons, but most especially for that deep voice of his.  Can’t you just hear it now?!

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and sudden spike in cases in our region, James and Linda once again are putting the well-being of others above themselves. With that said, an open period of viewing will occur at the chapel of Low Country Cremation & Burial on Friday, August 21, 2020, from 12:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.  Family and friends are encouraged to walk through and say goodbye one final time. At the family’s request, and keeping in compliance with regulations, strict social distancing guidelines will be adhered to and a face covering will be required to enter the chapel.

Burial will be private at the Georgia Veteran Cemetery in Glennville GA.

In lieu of flowers, the family would be honored by donations in James’ memory to one of several of his most beloved groups:

Reidsville Baptist Church, P.O. BOX 181 Reidsville GA 30453

VFW Post 7764, P.O. BOX 1489 Reidsville GA 30453

Solace Hospice, 101 McIntosh Street Vidalia GA 30474

Reidsville Lions Club, P.O. BOX 663 Reidsville GA 30453

Low Country Cremation & Burial is serving the Curl family.