Sarah Grimes

It will come as no surprise that my favorite story is as follows:

As long as I can remember, Leon has been a ham radio enthusiast and will go to extremes to get connected to the airwaves.

I was very young, just 4 or 5, happily swinging one day on one of those old rope swings Daddy had tied in a tall pecan tree on our place in Midville, Georgia. At the same time, I watched as Leon, a teenager about 14 or 15, climbed high overhead to rig up an antenna for the prized ham radio.

All at once, he came crashing down out of the tree and straddled the clothesline. I had no idea of the seriousness of his injury but found it very funny to see him straddling the clothesline, so I started laughing uproariously.

Daddy took him to see old Doctor Bent in Midville and when they got back I started laughing again at the thought of him on the clothesline. He got mad, twisted my arm behind my back and would have done further damage if Daddy had not intervened.

You know what, he still does not see the humor in this story.

Sister Sarah

Frank Jakes

One on my fondest memories of our many fishing trips was the one to Panama City. How we ended up on that Pirate Ship shooting tequilas, I'll never know.

The most prosperous fishing trip was the one where we all won the Blue Marlin Tournament and a Calcutta worth around $40,000. You won the individual trophy for catching a 100+ pound Yellow Fin tuna. While we were loading up to leave the next morning, I accidentally bumped into you and knocked the trophy out of your hands. When it hit the ground, it splattered into a hundred pieces. I really felt bad. If you remember, I was able to locate a like kind ceramic tuna somewhere in California and had it shipped to you.

We surely had some great experiences fishing the Back Down. In those days you could bring home enough fresh fish to more than pay for the trip.

Some of the places that we normally patronized were Captain Jewell Melvins Seafood Restaurant, The Green Frog, and numerous Oyster Bars.

Congratulations on reaching your 75th. Keep on walking for your health and enjoying retirement to the fullest.

Melita Collins

Happy Birthday to the greatest boss, best doctor and most lovable and sweetest smelling friend I've ever had. I sure do miss seeing you and working with you. Much Love--Melita

Robert Agress

our jekyll island gig:

it was some time in the early 90's, and the hypodermics had a friday night gig at jekyll island, for a pilot group, i think. henry sparks and i had volunteered to load the trailer early friday afternoon - you know, microphones, microphone stands, speakers, amp, lights, electrical cords, music stands, drum set, and oh yeah, the piano!

we had EVERYTHING except the piano loaded. henry and i moved it from the "rehearsal hall" outside right to the trailer doors. we balanced it on the edge of the back of the trailer, and henry hopped up into the trailer to "receive" the piano. he backed up towards the front of the trailer as i pushed it towards him, and the top door of the trailer closed.

i had forgotten one very important task when moving the trailer up to the station wagon: i did not clamp the trailer tongue and lock it on the ball of the trailer hitch ......the trailer tongue was just RESTING on the trailer hitch.

i jumped off the end of the trailer, and henry, still inside it, began to walk up from the front to the back following me. i jumped out ...and all of the sudden, henry came flying outta the back end of that trailer like a bullet, immediately followed by a piano, which popped the top door open pretty quickly right into my head. henry landed like a pro and was unhurt but mighty stunned, and when he saw the small, but bleeding, gash on my head, he found some camouflage gauze from i don't know where and applied it with pressure to stop the bleeding.

just then, leon drove up - he was really excited about the trip and you could tell that he was counting down the minutes to depart. his face quickly changed when i walked outside with henry holding the blood-soaked camouflage gauze to my head. he suddenly had that "oh crap" look ..... like, "how long is it going to take me to stitch up the gash on that fool's head so we won't be crunched for time?" leon drove me to his office and quickly sewed me up with a few stitches, and drove back to his house. we did a quick check to make sure everything was loaded, and left for jekyll.

at the gig that night, i think he said something to the crowd about his trombone player getting some sense knocked into him by a fast moving piano!

Robert Agress

my dear friend leon,

bless you for taking this trombone player into the hypodermics! i will never forget the first night that i rehearsed with y'all back in 1988, i think: i was, have been, and probably always will be a lousy reader, and it was no different at that first rehearsal, sight reading all of those numbers.

after rehearsal, i walked up to you and apologized for my usual sorry job of reading, and explained that i compensated for my handicap by much, much practice. i thanked you for having me and asked that you ask me back if you ever needed a trombone player to sit in. you said "well, we do, and you're it!" i was thrilled.

the hypodermics was the first group in which i really got serious - i halfway fought the urge to cut up and clown around. i actually began to improve my playing as well as my behavior. you were a leader by example and i have always had the utmost respect for your ethic and your humility.

you have touched many many people in your various stations of life - military, medical, pilot, musician, recreation vehicler, just to name a few. I am fortunate that God arranged for me to be one of those many blessed with knowing you.

much love, and a very happy birthday! robert

Sheran and Jimmy Wilcox

Your commitment to your profession, your country, and to your family has been exemplary. This commitment carried over to our community and has benefited an enormous number of people in many ways. Your patriotism was obvious and your desire to provide quality health care to those you served was most evident. Congratulations on reaching this significant milestone in your life. We sincerely wish for you and your family many more years of good health and happiness.

Happy Birthday, Sheran and Jimmy Wilcox

Billy and Yvonne Trapnell

This is a great idea! Wish I knew a real funny event or story on your dad, but all I know is what a great doctor, visionary, pilot, etc., he was. He cared for Yvonne and myself numerous times, never giving up on finding a cure for our ailment at that time. This is a story thousands of his patients can share.

He was directly responsible for us having the first dialysis center outside a metro area. Our airport can be traced back to he and others.

We are a much better community for his growing up here, and after getting his education and serving our nation, coming back home, marring a wonderful young lady, practicing medicine and raising a wonderful family.

We wish for him an incredible 75th birthday. May it be followed with many more, full of health and happiness.

Billy & Yvonne Trapnell

Mayor and First Lady of Metter

Cheryl Williams

Dr. Leon Curry delivered both our children, so he's been a pretty important part of my life! But when I think of him, I generally think of music. We spent a lot of time together with the Hypodermics, he anchored the Performing Arts pit orchestra for a number of years, and he's a much-valued choir member at the Metter United Methodist Church. Plus, he's just an all-around neat guy! Happy Birthday and many, many more!

Ann Brown Malphrus

Dr Curry. I wanted to wish you a very Happy Birthday! You took very good care of me as a young child! I enjoyed many good times in your home as a teenager as well! Wishing you all the best on your birthday!

Polly Porter

I wish I had a really funny “roast” to share. I do want to share a miracle story about Dr. Curry. In 1997 I began having a heart attack while teaching. When I arrived at the hospital, it seemed like every doctor from Metter Medical Associates was in that hospital room. The next thing I remember was Dr. Rathburn at Memorial telling me that the doctors in Metter saved my life. Thank You, Dr. Curry. I guess you guys knew God was not finished with me.

HAVE A VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DR. CURRY

Jamie and Regina Sutton

Wishing you many more!! Happy Birthday.

Allen Curry

My Favorite Uncle

Happy 75th Birthday!!!!

I didn't get to see you very often, living in Charleston, but you sure had an impact on my life.

The one thing I'll always remember is an occasion when I must have been doing something very wrong!!! Not sure exactly what it was but I do remember your eyes "sparking" red, like the Devil!! What you said next was a phase I'll never forget. And I quote, "Boy, if I tell you to start stacking greasy BB's and whistling Dixie backwards, you better start stackin' and whistlin'!!!".

I believe I can still whistle Dixie backwards!!!

Happy Birthday, Unc!!!! You're the best!!!

PS- Can't wait for Aunt Sarah's roast so I can tell y'all about the time she made me eat a bar of Lava soap! Oh yea, she use to put me in that old iron crib, in the middle room, daily. I swear I thought I was in Gitmo!

Nancy Norton

When I think of funny Leon stories, it's quite natural that my thoughts go to the travels you and Bill took in the RV. While some of them did not seem so humorous at the time, I think we can look back and laugh at these two old codgers making their way through the mountains and deserts of our wonderful country. Remember the time you were pulling into a camp site and ran over a huge log, damaging the waste disposal system? Or, how about the time that the extension slid out as you were driving down the road? Then there was the time you asked Bill, the navigator (who was directionally challenged) which way to go when you were on a busy interstate. Instead of giving you a highway number or directional signal, he said "turn that way". No doubt there were other experiences that best remain secret.

I truly value your friendship, support, and love for Bill. It meant so much to him, as well as to me. Of course you treated my aches and pains from about 1974 until you retired. When my second child was born and had to be transported to Augusta, you personally took me there when I was able to travel. No doubt there are countless other stories of your compassion for others that may never be known, except by those involved.

Thank you for all that you have done for our country, our community and for me personally. You have a special place in my heart.

Sonny and Jeanette Trapnell

Happy birthday Doc. I can remember when we said 75 years of age is pretty old.. Well, maybe it is, but as we get older it just doesn't seem to be so old or does it matter anymore.

When our youngest daughter, Nan, was about 10 years old she began to have trouble with her knee jumping out of place, which caused a great deal of pain. On one such an occasion we went to see Doc. Leon was his usual cheeriful self and greeted us very warmly. We went into the examing room and he sat Nan down on the examing table with her legs dangling down. After a little talk he started to move Nan/s knee cap from side to side. Nan would complain and he would stop for a few moments. He had to push on it real hard and when he did it jumped out of place.

After Nan stopped screaming from pain she proceeded to scream a string of words directed to Doc that we did not know she knew. Doc just smiled and tried to calm her down.

Doc, she still remembers this and still has some problems with that same knee.

Enjoy your birthday to the fullest and continue to have fun.

See ya' soon.

Bill Dyer

It was cold so I wore my windbreaker that evening. It has an 82nd Airborne patch on the shoulder. I have always been proud of that insigna. So, when Irene and I were being seated at Beverick's Restaurant, and someone came to me and said, "I like that jacket." A friendship began.

I learned that you were a pilot, as I was in my younger days. you were a Flight Surgeon at Ft. Bragg, Home of the 82nd.

I learned that you had written a book. You learned that I had also written a couple.....so we swapped books. We had a few things in common. Your comments about my book, considering the source, well... they made my year.

I am so happy that I wore that jacket that night.

You signed the book you gave to me " To a Fellow Patriot."

I sign this message the same way.....

To Dr. Leon...a fellow patriot.

Charles and Millie Adams

Having celebrated many wedding anniversaries together and having Dr. Curry assist when Millie delivered our last daughter, Jonna, (That’s a hoot of a story in itself!) Let me share the Special Birthday Trip Leon arranged for me.

Knowing I enjoy fishing, Leon set up a fishing trip off the Georgia coast with Dr. Whitaker on their boat (Ask him the name). I suspected we might be in for quite a trip when leaving the Thunderbolt dock at a very early morning hour the fog was so thick you couldn’t see your hand in front of your face. With two doctors, a captain, first mate and a preacher on board, what could go wrong?

When I heard the captain talking to other boat captains who were turning back and my good friends insisting that we press forward, I became a little concerned. As we moved further and further offshore the winds and waves grew stronger. By early afternoon it seemed everyone but the preacher was ‘seasick’ and taking all kinds of ‘shots’. Then wouldn’t you know an engine gave out. We still had one engine and the pounding of the high sea waves had only knocked out one window on the boat. Against the wind and waves we struggled to get back to Thunderbolt. Millie had planned a birthday party for me at home that evening at 6 p.m. Needless to say when I arrived at 10 p.m. she was a little put out. Now that’s one fishing trip I will never forget.

Thanks for the memories, Leon.

Happy Birthday, Leon! Charles and Millie Adams

Keith Cook

Dr. Curry,

I remember you taking time from your busy schedule to teach a beginner's 'ham' radio class to several of us boys in Metter. I must have been 12-13 years old at the time, so this was in the mid-70s. Several of us boys had expressed an interest in amateur radio, so you and a couple of other 'hams' prepared a course and taught us for a couple hours each week--preparing us for the test to become licensed 'ham' radio operator. I never could pass the required Morse code test, so I did not get a license, but some of the other guys did.

Looking back now (as a dad with a family and other competing commitments), I appreciate even more that you took that time to invest in us kids.

Thank you and happy birthday,

Keith Cook

David Sikes

Happy Birthday Dr. Curry! It seems just like yesterday that you were kicking me and Joey Pittman out of your house for disturbing Chris while he was trying to study. We didn't seem to think that playing nintendo track and field would be distracting. Go figure!

Thanks for contributing to my college fund as well by buying my drum set for your band to use. I guess you indirectly helped make me the CDC scientist that I am today. :)

God bless,

David Sikes

Chris Curry

Well, being the "number 2 son" as frequently referred to while he spoke on the ham radio, I have a great many stories to share about my dad. Many contain humor, some wit, and some embarrassment, but most of them return to the fact that my dad has always been a confident man who has seemed to help shape the lives of young and old alike.

One funny story that I can share takes us to Callaway Gardens when I was about 14 years old. These were the days when you liked to challenge your dad and see if you could best him. Well, in those days, dad carried a little extra weight and I was pretty athletic. I think I did something to make him angry and he promised that if he got hold of me it was going to be trouble.

I said "Come on, catch me if you can!" The next thing I remember he was flying out the cabin in shorts, a tee shirt, and those knee high white socks. I started sprinting and he was gaining on me. I couldn't believe it. I tried cutting around the pine trees, dodging this way and that and he stayed with me. He finally caught me and we twisted to the ground whereupon he sat on me and laughed with that great laugh of his. One thing about my dad, he believed he could do it, put forth the effort to get it done, and then celebrated his success.

I can't tell you how many times I have thought to myself how lucky I am to have a father who is so well thought of and has done so much for so many. We can only hope that our kids will feel the same way about us. I Love You Dad, You are the Greatest! Happy 75th!

David Robinson

Well, I don't have a whole lot of stories to tell about you Dr. Curry as I had my own Dr of my own to take care of me, but there was a few times when Dad would be in Vegas or somewhere else and I'd need a little attention and when they asked who I wanted to see I always told them I didn't care because in my opinion ALL the Dr's there were great and took time to see about their patients.

But, I did enjoy working for ya'll growing up to make a little extra money and ya'll always paid good. My parents never could understand why I'd always go work for others but not work for them....something about working at home was part of having a roof over my head didn't settle just right with me.

Anyhow, I remember when ya'll first moved over to the neighborhood and we had three Dr's in a stones throw and I remember how bright Stephen seemed to be. We went to the back door of your house (while we were supposed to be raking pine straw) and would get him to repeat words and he'd spit them right back at us. Finally we thought we had him stumped when we said supercallifragilistexpealidocious and he looked up and spit it right back out too! We laughed so hard I know Ms Curry came to see what we were laughing at but all she saw was busy boys raking straw...

Congrats on being co-citizens of the year but like I publically stated on Facebook in my opinion they should have honored all of you separately like they did my Dad because you each were VERY special VERY likeable men in the community who made people come to our Dr's clinic from counties all around and I don't know any of you who haven't gotten up out of your beds to come see about many sick people. Hurrah for you and all the other fine Dr's this town has had and some still who aren't in it just for the money but for the good feeling you get when you make someone well.

Happy 75th birthday and I'd of never guessed it. You don't look a day over 74! ;o)

David Robinson

Julius Rubert

I remember flying home from a fishing trip with Dr Curry back in the eighties. I was at the controls and Leon was copilot, Clyatt, Maurice, and Joe Neville were in the back playing a high stakes poker game.

Suddenly there came over us an urge to do a fast 360 degree snap roll to the left. Money and cards were everywhere. I have been told that the poker pot was substantial.

I also remember my mother being mentioned right after that. Funny but I didn't know that any of them had ever met my mother.

Sarah Grimes

There are so many memories of you, Leon, that they swirl around in my mind and fill my heart.

I recall that I cried, ranted and raved until you gave in and let me go along with you and Helen to the drive-in theater in Metter.

I remember eating my first pizza when Sherry and I visited you and Helen in Atlanta during a Beta Club convention.

I remember that just after your first solo flight that Joanne Mercer (Ellenwood) took to the air with you. Somehow, I never had any fear when you were around.

I remember how we cried when Hiram was so sick.

I remember playing poker with you, our brother Bill and Kelly while we were camping at Florence Marina.

What about that glorious RV trip to Alaska? Was that great or what??

I could go on and on, but suffice it to say, thanks for the memories.

You have always been my hero!

Happy 75th!!

With love, Sarah

Randy Crooms

The wonderful things that I recall of Doc, are too many to list here. Instead, what I will share is how I look back on my younger years and the impact he made upon them. Of course, I, like many others in our tiny hometown, had many opportunities to explain our ailments and pains to him on many occasions. Without question, he was a great family doctor, with a passion of his patient – and his profession.

What I’d rather reflect upon is my memories of him in his home. I, as other friends of Stephen or Chris, was often found “hanging out” at the Curry household. Ms. Helen and Doc always made all of us feel more like family than friends. Even now as I type this I am remembering how many times I entered their home – half the time never knocking, just asking if Stephen was in his room or in the “band room” as I entered.

To say that Doc and Ms. Helen are wonderful people simply does not speak to their character and is not ample description. As I’ve grown older, I come to realize they are “family” – at least my extended Metter family. They tolerated me and the rest of the boy’s friends at times when it most surely would have been better for Doc to have rested or unwound after a long and stressful day at the office. This is especially true for those days when Stephen, Kent, Mark, and I had the idea of starting our own rock band. He never failed to offer encouragement and never once do I recall him asking us to quiet down a bit, even if he should have. Things like this helped me to become a better man. I learned patience and understanding. Doc and Ms. Helen in the cheerful and inclusive way, helped in my growth. In many ways, it would be as shameful to me to disappoint them in any way just like if I dishonored my own parents.

I could ramble on for days on end. But, I won’t. I know that my generation and Doc’s didn’t often say I love you to other men. It just didn’t fit into our lifestyles. I’ve outgrown that. So, I’ll conclude with this: Doc, I love you and Ms. Helen and I’ll never thank y’all enough for your friendship and for being FAMILY. God Bless.

Regards,

Randy

Mike Bowen

We have best been friends practically a lifetime. Who would of thunk our friendship would still be in high gear in 2012. I love you man and wish you many more camping trips (with us of course) and birthdays.

Jody Hurst

Dr. Curry! Where do I begin? Well, Jim and I moved to Metter in 1983, shortly before the birth of my second daughter, Kelly. And, when I say shortly, I mean I was eight months along! We were coming to Georgia where my husband had taken a job teaching band at the Metter Schools. I had a bit of trouble finding a doctor since we were moving so late in the pregnancy, but finally got Dr. Curry to take me on... Only after my husband and I promised to join the Hypodermics and play with the group! It was worth the trade - we spent five happy years in Metter, playing with the group and meeting some very fine people. I treasure those rehearsals on Sunday nights and still laugh every time I hear "Frosty the Snowman" because I remember trying to play the tune on one of our first gigs at the nursing home. We failed miserably, but got much better over time! I have never had a doctor before or since whom I treasured as a friend as much as you, nor one who ever smelled so nice or had so many shoes! Thank you for taking us under your wing during our time in Metter! Have the happiest of birthdays and I'll be sure to have a Crown Royal in your honor!

Howard and Shirley West

Happy Birthday Doc. My prayer is for many more. We enjoy our monthly RV get togethers.

Garry Ritchie

Dr. Leon has been a friend on ham radio for a number of years. We still talk almost every morning on the 40 meter ham (short wave) band. We also share another lifestyle, camping in our motor homes. Although Nancy and I live in West Virginia while Leon and Helen are in Georgia, we get together occasionally on camping trips. We had a great time with them once caravanning our RVs with others through the Canadian Maritime Provinces.

On one of our annual trips south we met the Curry's new dog Duke. Duke was friendly with every other camper except me. At me, he barked incessantly. A full year went by and we met again. Duke remembered me and did the very same thing again, yapping at my heels every time he saw me. And then this mean little dog added another trick to his repertoire. With a flourish he hiked his leg and urinated onto one of my shoes. Leon just laughed, encouraging this canine caper. And the following year, guess what? Duke peed on my shoe again. Well, after yet another year passed, I wised up and came prepared. I tied Wal-Mart bags over my shoes before I stepped out of our RV, bringing a roar of laughter from Leon, but never any sympathy.

Leon says Duke is a perfect pet when he's with anyone else. He says dogs are actually true judges of character and have no inhibitions about showing their judgement. I know this good doctor must have demonstrated more caring for his patients' feelings than he did for mine, so I have forgiven him for condoning the actions of this spoiled little beast.

Happy birthday, Leon.

Garry Ritchie

Stephen Curry

Well, you certainly can learn a lot from all these comments. For example, I had absolutely no idea you smelled so incredibly good. Frankly, I never much thought to check.

I believe it was sheriff Buford T. Justice who uttered the immortal phrase. "There is no way, no way, that you could come from my loins!!!"

And yet, as different as we are, one thing is certain: you can't run away from your DNA. I am definitely My Father's Son. The coworkers who were kind enough to help me out with this site in their spare time saw the pictures and said, "Well we can tell where your looks come from."

Growing up in our house was a incredibly enriching experience, led by parents who had high expectations for us, and who exposed us to the world in ways many of my friends and classmates didn't get to enjoy.

It's no secret that I pretty much hated flying. My heart still skips a beat with the first bump of turbulence. But as a little boy, I quickly figured out that amazing things were waiting on the other side of the flight that were well worth seeing: the Grand Canyon, Sun Valley, San Diego, Lake Powell, the Bahamas, the Florida Keys. And the only way to see those amazing things was to get with the program, buckle my seatbelt and go!

Chris and I got to see the larger world early on, and I'm sure that's one of the things that has shaped my taste for travel and adventure ever since. I fly 50,000 miles a year today, and still hop on small planes today to travel to my favorite Caribbean island of Vieques, because I learned early on from my Dad that a few minutes of scary are more than worth the rewards that are waiting on the other side.

Life was never dull in our house. I remember the Hypodermics, and enjoyed being a young teenager that got to "socialize" with all the grownups on Sunday nights. And, to be sure, not everyone has a 300 lb. psychic coming to stay with you for a few weeks at a time. Our times with Greta were unique and enriching and inspiring.

What I love the most about my Dad is that he has never been content with the expected. He didn't just come to town to practice medicine; he pioneered the first rural dialysis center in Georgia. He didn't just treat high blood pressure; he helped launch research studies to try to determine its origins. He didn't just take what he learned in medical school at face value; he was open-minded enough to question what he'd been taught when the evidence demonstrated otherwise.

He may be a pilot, but he has never led his life on auto-pilot.

And in that sense, I think my Dad and I are exactly alike: be confident in yourself and your beliefs, but open-minded enough to question the established dogma when the evidence leads you elsewhere.

I'm thankful for the incredible education my parents provided; both in the home and onward at Emory. And I'm grateful for the close relationship we continue to enjoy today.

I love you, Dad! Happy 75th Birthday!

Stephen

Memories: by Brother William

On a day like today 1-14-12 one remembers things long passed. That I have a younger brother! One of my earliest memories of us goes back to when he was about 2 years old and we were playing at the Amoco Gas Station that our Dad leased on Highway 41 going into Jasper FL. The family lived in the yellow house next door in an apartment in the back. As we played chasing each other in and around the station we ran out in front of a car that had just pulled in for gas; As I remember it I yanked Leon back but the car ran over my foot and ruined my tennis hoe (nothing broken). From then on I was restricted to the apartment (almost 7 years difference in age I should have known better).

Along about this time we moved to the Gill House, down a sandy road a short distance from the Amoco Station. I had received a small bicycle (20” I think) and Leon like to ride on the handle bars with his feet in the basket. This is when you can learn to hate little brothers. He had to poop so he did; All over my prize possession; I should have killed him.

Growing up I was always having to chase him away, he was too young to run around with me and my crowd. Once I remember I was throwing dirt clods at him and hit him in the eye (and of course he ended up with an eye full of dirt). I finally got the dirt out but was in debt forever after that. By that time WWII had started and we moved to Charleston, S. C. where I was charged with getting him enrolled in the 1st grade of school and showing him how to walk across the marsh on the 30” water main that carried water to town.

I do remember later in life when he was going to school when needed a car and helping him procure a old Studebaker Convertible. Just riding in that thing was enough to give you a heart attack. And of course we have gone to great lengths to do combat on the checker board. (I taught him everything he ever knew about checkers). I hope that at 75 you have many more Leon.

Happy Birthday little brother! Love Bill

Jimmy Shafe

Memories of Leon - wierd looking glow in the sky - almost like northern lights - and Leon wanted us to go up in his plane - at night mind you - and fly to see what it was. Jan vetoed my participation and I think Helen vetoed his.

Then there was the time Jan and I came wheeling in on my motorbike and Jan was about 6 months pregnant. Leon came runnig out of the house and chewed us out. That was the last time she was ever on the bike!

His HAM Radio interest - allowed me to talk to Mother in Congo. We told her we were getting married on that HAM radio.

Our wedding - turned the corner at the back aisle and there was Leon squatted down recording the ceremony.

Nice memories. Supportive friendship. Mentor to a young college kid who knew nothing! Happy 75th!

Angie Henderson

Happy Birthday, Dr. Curry! I hope you have many more and hope that I’m here to see them! Many best wishes to one of my favorite doctors and many thanks for all you and Mrs. Helen have done for me. I love you both!

Terry Manuel

Hello Doc. What a great idea to pay tribute to such a great guy on such a great day! When I stop and think about Leon the phrase that comes to my mind is "cool". Doctor Curry always had the best looking cars (loved those Lincoln's) the fastest and hottest airplanes and the coolest gadgets not to mention the ham radios! I have always heard the one with the most toys wins and doc has enjoyed his toys! Having said all that Doctor Curry you are loved by so many. You have given all you could give to your patients, your community, and to your family. May you enjoy many more birthday celebrations with great health and happiness. Happy 75th......

Shelia Phillips

I have many wonderful memories working with you at Candler County Hospital and Dialysis Center.

You were always challenging us to think outside the box. I appreciate everything that you taught me about renal failure and dialysis. I always enjoyed your lectures. I remember you trying to explain iron storage to the staff by telling a story about the train and the box cars which totally confused me then. I get it now! Happy Birthday to a wonderful friend!

Jennifer Manuel

Uncle Leon,

Happy Birthday!!!! You have always been my hero. I can always remember telling folks, "Dr. Curry is my uncle!!!".You have sutured and treated a many a boo-boo I had as a child.Remember ,you had to calm mama down when I swallowed the light bulb from The Operation Game ,that I believe I was playing with Stephen and Chris. I do believe ,I chose to be a nurse because of you. I was so amazed as a child going to your office and how you knew just what to do to make me feel better.

Love you...Jennifer Manuel

Melanie Strange

Where do I begin?

TNTC!!! (tooooo numerous to count!)

On your 36th anniversary of your 39th birthday ..... I hope you have had a great one!

You are the greatest “Boss” I have ever had! --- great friend too! And let’s not forget, a “FULL Bird Colonel” --- we use to hear after every successful Guard mission --- we shamefully, did not always give you the fullest respect --- I guess that’s why you would say, “Alright girls! I want to hear eyeballs and heels clicking!” when you came through the door. Then, if we did not satisfy, (probably standing there with eyeballs rolling!) – something about a “white glove inspection” would be next in order!

You have had soooooo many accomplishments for one lifetime ... it is truly an honor ... Sir!

Love ya,

Melanie

Tempie Curry Drescher

Dear Leon,

This is your first cousin Tempie Curry Drescher and husband Bob wishing you a very happy 75 th birthday. (As you always liked to remind me that you were a month and 1 day older than me). How gratifying it is to see how respected and loved you have been. I remember when we were teen agers and you were living in Midville with your parents I came to spend a few days there and you were learning your radio call signal of W4TYM. I have never forgotten it.

We send you all our love and wish you many more birthdays. All our love to you and your family.

Gale Coston

Dear Leon,

What a joy to use this medium to wish for you the happiest of birthdays.

I have so many memories of our high school days; the MHS band, scooting around in that old Mercury with the ham radio going....I obviously will never forget W4TenYellowMonkies.

More recently, I thank you for the extraordinary medical care you provided my parents. Mother especially, as she had several complicated problems that had to be kept in balance. The best here in Columbia botched the job but when you took charge she became alive again..a fully functioning person who lived to be 91. Anyone who says you can't find advanced high tech medical treatment in a small town was never treated by Leon Curry.

I always appreciated your extraordinary flying skills. When I was in my 50s, our son Britt and I took flying lessons and we were pretty good at that basic level. Britt became particularly good and met all requirements for a license. He still flies but still hasn't applied for his license.

I thoroughly enjoyed your book and as I told you at our reunion, I strongly believe it could be worked into a best seller. But as you told me, "That was not the purpose of the book." and I understand that.

Well my dear old friend we have reached the 3/4 century mark and I'm sure you feel as I do, there really is a grace for every age. Our best to Helen.

Gale

Lynn Jones-Matthews

Hi Leon,

Hope you had a good day on your birthday. Sorry to be late in Congratulating you. You have had an interesting live accomplishing all that you have. That is brains and talent.

I value our friendship in high school and through out all these years. What would my family and myself have done without your being our family physician?

Your and John were good pilot instructors to your selves. You were the world's best. Just being here proves that!!!!

Celebrating your birthday through comments on a website is a good way to celebrate. You don't have to have people over, and entertain them with food and etc.

Just remember, you will always be older than I am. We all need to go on another cruse, or to Ireland.

Love in Christ to you, Helen, Stephen, &, Chris,

Your friend, Lynn

Vicky Gorham

I MISS YOU AS MY PERSONAL PHYSICIAN, DOC. MY WIFE AND I LOVE YOU AND APPRECIATE ALL THE WONDERFUL TIMES WE HAVE SHARED AS PATIENTS, CO-WORKER AND ~ FRIENDS. YOU AND MS. HELEN ARE SPECIAL PEOPLE . WE LOVE YOU AND MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND HAVE A BLESSED, HAPPY AND HEALTHY 75th.

Vendie Hooks

Happy Belated 75th to one of the best physicians and teachers I have ever known. You not only were a compassionate, caring, incredibly talented physician, but creative and forward thinking as evidenced by your starting a dialysis center in Metter (the first outside of a major medical center) and pioneering the treatment of ADHD. I will always remember all the time you spent teaching me when I hung around with you while working part time at the Candler County Hospital the summer after my 1st year of medical school. My interest in surgery began that summer while assisting you in the OR. It seems like only yesterday.

In fact my very first flight in a private plane was when I flew with you and Helen to Charleston to visit your brother. As you recall he was just beginning as Chairman of the Family Practice Residency Program at the Medical University of South Carolina and you were on the Clinical faculty. I was impressed with how careful and thorough you were checking out the plane before we took off. You displayed the same qualities while practicing medicine. I would be remiss if I did not mention the fishing trip that you, Hank, Bill, and I took off Ft. Lauderdale. Hank and I drove all night transporting your boat to Ft. Lauderdale and then you and Bill flew down the next day. My first and my last deep sea fishing trip. I still have my Sail Fish (my trophy) but have never seen the movies you took of my sea sickness! Then there was the flight back when we took off just in time to avoid a huge storm and if I recall the landing lights at the Statesboro airport when off just before or while we were landing!

All the Best for many more Birthdays to come.

Your student, Vendie

Leon Curry

Thanks EVERYBODY for contributing to my very Happy Birthday......actually the 36th anniversary of my 39th birthday!

Well, I have never seen a Celebrity Roast online before. But what a HOOT this is!

All the stories and anecdotes and tales of yesteryear made me laugh thru tears as I RELIVED those escapades that spiced up my life over the years. Fishing trips with the Fearless Foursome (Julius, Frank, Clyatt and myself) and Maurice Whiddon and Joe Neville, and Charles Adams made me laugh out loud again. The snap roll in the Aerostar airplane on the way back from fishing in Florida while a poker game was going in the back seats was a lifelong hilarious memory. Memories of Hypodermics band and our escapades were punctuated by Robert Agress' description of the portable piano attacking him and Dr. Henry Sparks while loading up our equipment for a gig in St.Simons/Jekyll Island in conjunction with the Flying Physicians National Meeting there. We had much fun rehearsing and playing gigs in surrounding country clubs and the Officers Club and Enlisted Club at the Air National Guard in Savannah.

Stephen's and Chris' friends hanging out here helped to keep us young at heart with their flipping quarters, shooting pool, and starting a rock band. And the comments from loving friends and patients reminded me how rich my life has been.

Sister Sarah did not HAVE to share about my falling out of the pecan tree. Sarah, that is still NOT FUNNY!

The pictures ranging from early college to present show various family and activities that colored my life experiences richly.

Today I shared the website with my Ham friends on the RV Service net and while we talked they brought up the website and enjoyed the pictures.

Thanks again to Stephen and everybody who participated in this INVENTION by Creative Director Stephen.

Leon E. Curry, M.D., W4TYM