Our family literally grew up with Ocala and Marion County.  You might remember Dad’s sporting goods store (Strick Curry) in the old Ocala Shopping Center.  It was truly a family business.  Mom was the bookkeeper, and I learned the value of hard work there while I was still in high school.

Of course, work ethic wasn’t the only trait I inherited.  My parents were devout Christians, in life and in business, and my brothers and I tried to follow their example.  Dad served on the County Commission in late 60’s and early 70’s when our culture and community were forever changing.

All the Curry boys graduated from Ocala High. Dad was an all-star guard on the OHS football team as well an outstanding pitcher on the baseball team. I’m the youngest of 3 boys so I felt the need to set off on my own path – like getting involved in student government.

Growing up in Ocala was idyllic.  My brothers and I were always playing sports, hunting or fishing.  I never wanted to go anywhere else, then or now, except to return to Ocala to make my living and raise my family.

I earned my degree in business from UF, but the military was calling me too. I served six years in the Army National Guard and was an officer. I never saw action overseas, but I was ready and willing if called!

My work career actually began as a deputy tax collector… collecting taxes, no less. Looking back, that experience made me appreciate the risks and sacrifices of small businesses and why local government needs to be a working partner with every taxpayer. However, I knew my place was in the private sector, and for 40 years, that’s exactly where I had my success – owning and operating my own independent property and casualty insurance agency.

Public service has always been a calling of mine too. I ran for the Ocala City Council, and eventually I ran and was elected as Mayor. We got a lot done. But my two small children needed their Dad. I loved serving my neighbors but had to step away from public life after a few years. Family first!

A couple of legacies I’m most proud of during my time as Mayor was finding a way to keep the Appleton Museum open during a difficult time and partnering with the Sheriff on a substance abuse program that has saved countless lives in our community. In that same vein while serving as President of the Munroe Regional Hospital Foundation, currently Advent Hospital, we raised $3 million dollars to establish the first pediatric emergency room which is still in operation today.  We also had some environmental victories during a time when Ocala and Marion County were growing fast.

I’ve been an active advocate on their behalf for years on City Council and while serving on the Fire and Police Pension Board, and I’ll continue to support them on the County Commission.