Andrew Curley

Life is a Journey That Must be Traveled

The writer of Psalm 90:10 reflects on the duration of human life, stating that we typically live for "three score years and ten," or 70 years, and possibly up to 80 if we are in good health. Mr. Andrew Jefferson Curley was blessed to live until the age of 85! He was born on Christmas Eve, December 24, 1938, to his late parents, Joe Curley and Mamie Smith. On January 15, 2024, he left this Earth, embarking on his final journey to his eternal home in Heaven.

A Christian Journey

Andrew gave his life to Christ when he was young at the Longview Baptist Church. He was a member of the Willow Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Calion, AR, for many years and later briefly united with the Led by the Spirit of God Church in Little Rock, Arkansas. Andrew had a deep passion for Southern Gospel quartet music, and he used his gifts and talents to contribute to many Christian ministries. He traveled across Arkansas and Louisiana with several groups, singing jubilee songs in close, heart-stirring harmonies in the historic call-and-response fashion.

A Love Journey

After a brief encounter with Ernestine Laverne, he persuaded her to move away from her city life and join him in Calion, AR. They got married on April 29, 1974, and remained together until her passing in 2011. Despite not being able to have children of their own, they loved and took care of many.

A Long Haul Journey

Andrew graduated from Norphlet High School and started working at Calion Lumber Co., where he began detailing 18-wheeler trucks. He taught himself how to drive semi-trucks and obtained his first Arkansas Chauffeur's License at the cost of $5.00. This marked the beginning of his long and successful career as a truck driver. He worked for several local trucking companies, including Calion Lumber Co., Anders Trucking, Jet Asphalt, and others. He was well-known in the community for organizing and coaching softball games, baking desserts, and watching Western movies. He often used the phrase "Let's ride, Tonto," like The Lone Ranger.

A Journey to His Final Destination

Joyfully logging his final miles, Andrew is reunited with his deceased parents, wife, Ernestine, brothers, Robert Buffington, Lincoln Moore, Herman Curley, John Henry Curley, TL Curley, Joe Nigels Curley, and Ceola Curley, Sr., and sisters, Eula Mae Curley, Flossie Curley, Irene Curley, and Baby Girl Smith.

He leaves behind fond memories for one brother, Mike Curley (Vertis); his son, Andy Curley; a bonus son, Richard McLaurin; four daughters: Latosha Majors, LaTreace Curley, Shaneil "PJ" (Larry D., Sr.) Yarbrough, and Ashley Curley; his grandchildren: O'Shea, Ricky, Jamia, Lenitia, Matthew, Andrea, Larry D. Jr. (L.J.), Kelyn, Jordyn, Lance, Kingston, Devyn, and Ashtyn, as well as two great-granddaughters, Gianna and Lianna Moore; a bonus daughter, Latonya Williams; and special nieces, Flechia, Gladys Mae, and Annie Jean Curley; and a special nephew, Ceola Curley, Jr. He will be remembered with love by a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.