Celebrating the life of
James Clifford (Cliff) McCurry
July 08, 1948 - July 31, 2025
J. Cliff McCurry, 77, a well-known and respected community leader, philanthropist, and businessman, passed away peacefully at home on July, 31st.
Originally from Clayton, Georgia, Cliff was the son of Arthur James McCurry and Mary Agnes Lee McCurry. They moved to Savannah when Cliff was a toddler, and he called the city home for the rest of his remarkable life.
In 1970, Cliff married his high school sweetheart, Kathryn “Kathy” Jurelle Hooper and they were incredibly loving parents to two sons, James Clifford McCurry, Jr. and Edward Lee McCurry. The highlight of both “Big Daddy” and “Nana’s” lives was their five grandchildren James Clifford McCurry, III, Eleanor Kendall McCurry, Cannon Hill McCurry, Brinkley Kathryn McCurry, and Landry Lee McCurry. Cliff and Kathy were long-time, devoted members of St. Thomas’ Episcopal Church and gave of their time and talents to support their church family.
In addition to their legitimate family, Cliff and Kathy were “uncle” and “aunt” to an unruly and suspect group of knuckleheads who, along with their own children, regularly congregate as the Griswolds. Cliff was also a surrogate dad to a selection of now aging young men to whom he was a great mentor and cherished role model.
Growing up, Cliff attended Richard Arnold School and was a 1966 graduate of Savannah High School. With the encouragement and assistance from the late Coach Cy Wright, Cliff walked onto the basketball team at Armstrong State College, eventually earning a scholarship and letter before transferring to the University of Georgia. At UGA, he earned his BBA in risk management and insurance from the Terry College of Business and was a proud member of Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity. From then on, his blood ran Red and Black, and he was an absolutely Damn Good Dawg.
Returning to Savannah after graduation, Cliff began working for his mentor, Nick Mamalakis, at Mercer Insurance Agency. Mr. Mamalakis was “Boss”, but so profoundly more to Cliff and his family. It was widely understood that Mr. Nick believed in Cliff’s potential, invested in him personally and professionally and set an example that Cliff sought to emulate throughout his life and career. In his honor, Cliff and Kathy established the Nick Mamalakis Emerging Leaders Program at Armstrong Atlantic State University, now Georgia Southern University, in order to share Mamalakis’ legacy and example with generations to come.
Cliff McCurry had more than 50 years of commercial insurance brokerage and risk management experience and held executive management positions with Sterling Seacrest Pritchard, Willis HRH, and Jones, Hill, & Mercer. He held the Chartered Property and Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) professional designation and was a mentor to many within the insurance industry.
In recognition of his professional and community service, Cliff has received a number of prestigious awards, including being named a distinguished alumnus of Armstrong State University (2017), a community hero by the Southeast Georgia chapter of the American Red Cross (2013), the Terry College of Business risk management and insurance alumnus of the year (2011), induction to the Junior Achievement Business Hall of Fame (2019), the Southeast Georgia Leadership Forum “Leadership Award” (2021), the Elevate Savannah Community Leader Award (2024), and the Terry College of Business Distinguished Alumni Award (2025).
Cliff’s altruism was obvious, and his community involvement spanned decades. He is widely known for his willingness to put in long hours for worthy causes. His community and civic activities included serving in leadership positions on numerous local and regional not-for-profit and community service boards. He was an emeritus member of the Terry College Alumni Board and a UGA Foundation Emeritus Trustee. He was proud to have been a Past Chairman of both the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce and the Savannah Economic Development Authority and deeply appreciated his involvement with the St. Joseph’s/Candler Health System Foundation and Hospital boards. Cliff also greatly enjoyed supporting younger generations through decades of involvement on the board of the Jenkins Athletic Club and the boards of Savannah Christian Preparatory School and Bethesda Academy.
Cliff is predeceased by his parents, his wife Kathy, and his son Lee. He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law Jamie and Kendall, their children Ford, Eleanor, and Brinkley; and by his daughter-in-law Melissa and her children Cannon and Landry; and by his godchildren and countless friends that were all considered family.
A memorial service will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, August 5, 2025 at St. Thomas Episcopal Church. A reception will immediately follow in the Parish Hall.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Cliff’s memory can be made to St. Thomas’ Episcopal Church on the Isle of Hope (2 St. Thomas Avenue, Savannah, Ga 31406) or to the Nick Mamalakis Emerging Leaders Program c/o the Georgia Southern University Office of Leadership and Community Engagement (attn. Rachel West, 11935 Abercorn St., Savannah, Ga 31419).
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Will remember a great friend
- Andrew Sheils, Jr., Savannah, Ga
Rest in Peace, old friend. You, Kathy, and Lee are together again.
- David Carson, Savannh, GA
Cliff was simply the best. You will be missed by many my friend.
- cecil r cooke, Athens, GA
Rest in peace my friend.
- Chuck & Fawnie Davis, Savannah, GA
Always larger than life and always friendly and a damned good Dawg! Rest in Peace my friend. You will be sorely missed by all that knew you.
- Robyn Quattlebaum, Savannah, GA
So sorry to hear about Cliff. He was a fine man and loved by many.
- Gayle Crawford, Savannah, Ga
I will love and cherish you always, (Big Daddy)! Thank you so much for all the years of happiness and fond memories. To know you was to love you and to be family was a blessing! You are and will always be a hero of mine. Please give my Momma, Lee and Kathy a huge hug for me. You will be sorely missed.
- Tammy Cannon Gragg, Clayton, GA
I will love and cherish you always, (Big Daddy)! Thank you so much for all the years of happiness and fond memories. To know you was to love you and to be family was a blessing! You are and will always be a hero of mine. Please give my Momma, Lee and Kathy a huge hug for me. You will be sorely missed.
- Tammy Cannon Gragg, Clayton, GA
So sorry to hear about Cliff's passing. We were lifelong friends. Without question, one of the best and most admired people ever from Savannah. Not sure I have ever heard one negative word about Cliff McCurry. He was loved by all. RIP my friend. Tommy Bond
- Thomas Bond, Atlanta, GA
RIP Mr.McCurry aka Big Daddy you will truly be missed ,Now you get to be with Mrs.Kathy & Lee again
- Deborah Edwards, Savannah, GA
my sympathies to Cliff's loved ones near & far...He was admired by many. May God comfort his family & friends...GOD SPEED
- Patty Daniels Miller, Milton, GA
So very sorry to hear about the loss of Cliff. He was a wonderful man who always had a smile or handshake or a story to share. Please know our thoughts are with all of you. Hoping the happy memories will help all of you in your sorrow.
- HM and Michael Fleming, Savannah, GA
Sorry to hear about Cliff. Rest in Peace my friend!
- Bob White, Greensboro , Ga
Cliff was and is a Savannah treasure He will be missed
- Dwight Feemster , Savanah , Ga
Savannah lost a great citizen with a love and support for everyone; the finest insurance professional and family man ever. God speed Cliff.
- Bob Morgan, Lebanon, OH
All the years, all the memories, where do I start. Cliff was the best man I've ever known. Always happy with a big smile and hug. He cared about everyone. Home now Cliff with Kathy and Lee.
- Jan Mock, Tybee Island, Georgia
Cliff was a very special man. He introduced me to our bible study and we worked together both professionally and personally on a number of projects. I will miss him
- Brian Kornblatt, Savannah, GA
Cliff was a true southern gentleman .....
- THOMAS C SULLIVAN, Savannah, GA
To say that Cliff was loved and admired by MANY, would be a huge understatement. He was an inspiration to so many of us. We will be praying daily for his family and friends. We rejoice with Cliff because he is HOME now.
- Bobby and Ruth Hanson, Savannah , Ga.
A good friend and true gentleman.
- Cliff Berger, Ashburn , Virginia
Rest easy BIG'UN! Your yac-10 brothers will always miss that grin and greeting.
- JIMMYDEVON DONALDSON, Wilmington, NC
Mr. McCurry will be deeply misssed. He and I chatted far more than I ever cleaned his office, lol. He was an extremely kind and generous person and just of wealth of information. When he told me he was thinking about retiring I told him not to do it, that he had far more to give the younger staff than he realized and that he had forgotten more than they currently knew and we just laughed. Such a warn and gentle soul. Goodbye Sir!
- Fred Cheatham, Savannah, Georgia
So sorry to hear that Cliff is gone. He was a good man and will be missed by many. May he rest in peace with Kathy and Lee.
- Betty Grubbs, Savannah, GA
My dear cousin Cliff was an outstanding individual in every way. I will miss him.
- mary l simpson, Americus, GA
Our family has lost a true rock. Cliff has always been one of my favorite family members. His dedication to his family and to his extended family in Clayton was priceless. He was always happy and cheerful, no matter what he was facing. His personality was bigger than life, and his intellect was superior. God bless you, Buddy. You were priceless!
- Kaye and Don Smith, Smyrna, Georgia
Cliff was a founding board member for the Coastal Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He leveraged his influence with local business leaders and notable athletes and coaches at UGA to help support the mission of FCA to present to athletes and coaches in the Savannah area the opportunity to use their influence to share the gospel of Jesus Christ. We have seen tens of thousands of new hearts turned to Christ because this ministry. As Philippians 4:17 says, Cliff is credited with all of them and so many more!
- Ed and CathyPulkinen, Bluffton, South Carolina
Please accept our deepest condolences at Cliff's passing. During our time leading Bethesda Academy, Cliff was a dear friend, mentor, encourager, and Board Chair. God bless you, Cliff, and we know you are with your dear wife and son in the Promised Land. Mike and Donna Hughes
- Mike and Donna Hughes (Bethesda Academy President 2016-2024), Fortson, GA
Like others said, I never heard anything negative about Cliff. I am so sorry and surprised to hear of his passing. Godspeed my friend!
- Bobby Everette, Savannah, GA
Cliff was a good friend for many years. We shared a great love for the university of Georgia and attended many functions together. Always positive , giving , a friend you could count on . Anyone who knew him was blessed ! He will be dearly missed !
- Jeff Fitzpatrick, Gainesville, GA
AS A FORMER BLUE JACKET AND ARMSTRONG ALUMNI, CLIFF WAS AN OUTSTANDING FRIEND AND HUMAN BEING WHEREVER HE ROAMED. I WAS PROUD TO KNOW HIM FOR SO MANY YEARS, AND FONDLY REMEMBER ALL HIS KINDNESS AND GOOD DEEDS THROUGH OUT HIS LIFE. HE WILL BE MISSED. RIP OLD FRIEND.
- STEVE SHELTON, SAVANNAH, GA
Great man will be missed by all that knew him.
- ICE (Jules) Paderewski, Savannah, Ga.
God Bless You My Friend! Job Well Done On This Earth! Woof!!!
- Paul J Weber III, Savannah, GA
So sorry to hear about Cliff. great guy!
- Larry Sims, Richmond Hill, Georgia
Cliff was a great man heaven received another great soul.
- Chris Sywassink, Savannah, Ga
So heartbroken. Thank our Lord I had the opportunity to have had dinner with Cliff, Melissa,Cannon and Landry and other Cannon family on Sat before our loss. I treasured each moment. No words can explain how I respected and honored Cliff since we were teens. We lost him way too early. God bless all. until We meet again.
- Sherryl Wilson Major(Cannon), Clayton, Georgia
Cliff was such a social man, every one was a friend. His life was dedicated to our community! He will be missed. RIP
- Glenn Hagin , Savannah , GA
May all of the great memories live with you forever . Cliff was loved by so many .
- Cora bett thomad, Sav , Ga
Cliff was highly respected and admired. He certainly made Savannah a much better place. My condolences to the family.
- John Cay, Savannah, GA
Memories of Cliff go way back to childhood days. What an example of a life well lived! Prayers for the McCurry family for peace and comfort.
- Dickie Myers, JACKSONVILLE, FL
Our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. Cliff was a true leader and mentor, and we're honored to have had him serve on our board of directors. May his legacy live on through all the lives he touched over the years.
- Elevate Savannah, Savannah, Georgia
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
- Memorial Service
- on Tue, August 05, 2025
- St. Thomas Episcopal Church
-
2 St. Thomas Ave. (map)
Savannah GA 31406
