Obituary for William Maurice Currie
William Maurice Currie
1926 – 2021
William Maurice Currie, a retiree of Gulf Power Company, and Pensacola native, died on February 12, 2021 at the age of 94. Maurice was born on October 2, 1926, to the late William Lee and Ila Mae Currie in Pensacola, Florida.
Maurice is survived by his children; Kathleen (John) McBride, Carol (Terry) Chaires, and John (Nancy) Currie and sisters, Donna (David) Blackistone and Rosemary (Bob) Blackington. He is also survived by his stepchildren; Cecil (Michelle) Dunn, Barbara Cross, and Theresa Becks. In addition, he leaves six grandchildren, many great grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins who will miss him dearly.
He was predeceased by his first wife of 53 years, Celia Camp Currie; his second wife of 15 years, Mary Cobb Currie; his son, William Arthur Currie; and his brother, David Lee Currie.
Maurice grew up in the Myrtle Grove area, and willingly enlisted in the Army during World War II when he was just 17. Fortunately, the war ended while he was enroute to the Philippines. While there he gained valuable experience maintaining generators at a Japanese Prison of War Camp. After fulfilling his military obligation, he began his college education at FSCW soon to become Florida State University. He began working for Gulf Power Company in 1950, expanding on skills learned during his military service. He became a Control Room Supervisor in Pensacola at the Crist Steam Plant and was one of the initial supervisors for the opening of the Smith Steam Plant in Panama City in 1965. He was loved and respected by all his colleagues earning the nickname, “Sweet Ole Bill” and was recognized as such by the President of Gulf Power at the Smith Steam Plant’s 50-year celebration. Maurice was very active at St. Monica’s Episcopal Church and served the church faithfully during his years as a member there.
His greatest passion was his family. He was not flashy or showy but was always dependable, loyal, and unflappable. He savored moments with his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He lived one day at a time and relished the simple pleasures that each day brought: watching football, reading a good book, or talking on the phone with his family.
He was loved and cherished by all who knew him and known for his unassuming nature. He took all of life’s challenges in stride and never complained. He will be greatly missed. “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Matthew 25:23
A memorial service will be planned for a later date in the fall. Donations in his memory can be made to Manna Food Pantries of Pensacola of St. Monica’s Episcopal Church,699 S. Hwy. #95A, Cantonment, Florida 32533.
1926 – 2021
William Maurice Currie, a retiree of Gulf Power Company, and Pensacola native, died on February 12, 2021 at the age of 94. Maurice was born on October 2, 1926, to the late William Lee and Ila Mae Currie in Pensacola, Florida.
Maurice is survived by his children; Kathleen (John) McBride, Carol (Terry) Chaires, and John (Nancy) Currie and sisters, Donna (David) Blackistone and Rosemary (Bob) Blackington. He is also survived by his stepchildren; Cecil (Michelle) Dunn, Barbara Cross, and Theresa Becks. In addition, he leaves six grandchildren, many great grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins who will miss him dearly.
He was predeceased by his first wife of 53 years, Celia Camp Currie; his second wife of 15 years, Mary Cobb Currie; his son, William Arthur Currie; and his brother, David Lee Currie.
Maurice grew up in the Myrtle Grove area, and willingly enlisted in the Army during World War II when he was just 17. Fortunately, the war ended while he was enroute to the Philippines. While there he gained valuable experience maintaining generators at a Japanese Prison of War Camp. After fulfilling his military obligation, he began his college education at FSCW soon to become Florida State University. He began working for Gulf Power Company in 1950, expanding on skills learned during his military service. He became a Control Room Supervisor in Pensacola at the Crist Steam Plant and was one of the initial supervisors for the opening of the Smith Steam Plant in Panama City in 1965. He was loved and respected by all his colleagues earning the nickname, “Sweet Ole Bill” and was recognized as such by the President of Gulf Power at the Smith Steam Plant’s 50-year celebration. Maurice was very active at St. Monica’s Episcopal Church and served the church faithfully during his years as a member there.
His greatest passion was his family. He was not flashy or showy but was always dependable, loyal, and unflappable. He savored moments with his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He lived one day at a time and relished the simple pleasures that each day brought: watching football, reading a good book, or talking on the phone with his family.
He was loved and cherished by all who knew him and known for his unassuming nature. He took all of life’s challenges in stride and never complained. He will be greatly missed. “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Matthew 25:23
A memorial service will be planned for a later date in the fall. Donations in his memory can be made to Manna Food Pantries of Pensacola of St. Monica’s Episcopal Church,699 S. Hwy. #95A, Cantonment, Florida 32533.