Cullen B. Curlee

Following an extended illness, Cullen B. “Len” Curlee III, succumbed to Huntington’s disease at his home, October 14, 2013. Born in Corinth to Cullen B. Curlee Jr. and Doris Curlee, June 9, 1944, Len grew up in Rienzi, MS and graduated as salutatorian from Rienzi High School and attended Northeast Community College on basketball and baseball scholarships. During his junior year of college, he joined the United States Air Force where he served on SAC bases for four years. During that time, he received the “Marksmanship” award and was selected “Outstanding Airman.” After basic training, and an assignment to the Plattsburg, NY Air Force SAC base, he married Barbara Bonds, May 28, 1966 in Burnsville, MS. After serving his time in the Air Force, he returned to the University of Mississippi where he was a graduate assistant in the Physical Education department. Upon graduation, he was employed by the Corinth City School system as an assistant football coach and later, as the High School baseball coach and the Junior High basketball coach. After completing a Master of School Administration and Counseling from the University of Mississippi, Len accepted the position of Corinth Jr. High counselor, during which time he was selected as the “Outstanding Young Educator of the Year.” In 1978, Len accepted the position as principal at Alcorn Central Elementary School and in 1988, he went on to be principal at Rienzi Elementary and Middle School where he retired in 1993. After retirement, Len pursued his passion for horses and entered the TN Walking Horse business. At Sunny Hill Farms, he raised colts sired by “World Grand Champion” stallions. A member of the First Baptist Church in Corinth, Len held various positions. Through the years, he taught Bible classes, sang in the choir, served on various committees, and served as a deacon. Before his illness, Len was a member of the Rotary Club and served for many years on the Northeast MS Board of Mental Health. He is preceded in death by his parents, Cullen B. Curlee, Jr. and Doris McClaran Curlee and a niece, Laura Dawn Tuckier. He is survived by his wife, Barbara Bonds Curlee and daughter, Anna Katherine Curlee of Corinth; a sister and brother-in-law, Trudys and Larry Tuckier of Tuscumbia, AL; parents-in-law, Thomas and Wylodene Bonds of Iuka; brother-in-law, Tommy Bonds (Wanda) of Iuka; nephews: Dr. Rex Tuckier (Beth) of Moulton, AL; Brian Bonds (Shannon) of Iuka; Brad Bonds (Cindy) of Cairo, MS; and Brent Bonds of Batesville, MS; great nephews and nieces: Elijah Tuckier; Connor and Caroline Bonds; and RJ Bonds. Visitation will be held at Magnolia Funeral Home on October 15, 2013 from 5:30pm to 8:30pm. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, October 16, 2013 at 3:00pm at First Baptist Church in Corinth, MS with Bro. Dennis Smith officiating. Magnolia Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to First Baptist Church of Corinth.