Donald Ray Curl

Donald Ray Curl lost his fight with cancer on December 16, 2022, at peace and surrounded by loved ones. He was born January 29, 1948, in Birmingham, AL, to Donald Alexander and Dorothy Lillian (Clifton) Curl. He graduated from Shelby County High School in 1966. He proudly served in the U. S. Navy on the USS Long Beach from 1968-1973, ending his service as an E-5 Petty Officer 2nd Class/Gunners Mate Missileman 2. While deployed, he met and began a whirlwind courtship with his future wife, Mary Panske of Oshkosh, WI, via letter. They married Jan. 26, 1974 and settled in Fort Worth. Donald & Mary raised their three children, Melanie, Amy, and Ethan, as well as over 40 foster children in their loving home. Donald worked for Southwestern Bell/AT&T for 34 years.

In his retirement, Donald enjoyed spending time with his family, spoiling his four grandchildren, hanging out with his "gym crew", & tending his flowerbeds. Donald was a kind, generous man who gave unreservedly to his friends. He passionately cheered for Alabama's Crimson Tide every football season, could be found researching his many interests on YouTube, & would spend hours listening to his extensive music collection. Donald's most memorable quality was his love for and pride in his family. He enjoyed every visit, delighted in every accomplishment, and would drop everything to run to their rescue. His legacy of love and generosity will live on in the hearts of those lives he's touched.

Donald was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Larry; his sister, Jackie; and brother-in-law, Pat Merrifield. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Mary; their children: Melanie Curl; Ethan Curl; Amy Trifilio & son-in-law Frank C. Trifilio II; grandchildren Isabella, Frank C. III, Vincent, and Sebastian Trifilio; and sisters Linda Merrifield and Cathy Curl.

In lieu of flowers, Donald requested that people consider making a donation to https://mcwcfriends.com/give/ .