Tuscaloosa Mourns Death Of City's First Black Department Head

TUSCALOOSA, AL — The City of Tuscaloosa is mourning the loss of the first Black department head in the city's history, following news of the death of Richard A. Curry, Jr.

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Curry's death was first announced by Van Hoose & Steele Funeral Home on Tuesday. He was 76.

During his time with the city, Curry would become director of Environmental Services in 1992 — a position he would hold until his retirement in 2005.

The City of Tuscaloosa on Wednesday also pointed out that Curry was also the first African American to have a city building named after him.

The original 345,000 square-foot Richard A. Curry, Jr. Environmental Services Building was destroyed in the April 27, 2011 tornado and replaced with a newer state-of-the-art facility that opened in 2014 and also features a recycling education center, where everything from environmentally-focused movies to classes are held.

"Our thoughts are with the family, friends, and former co-workers of Mr. Curry," the City of Tuscaloosa said on Wednesday.

Funeral arrangements will be announced at a late date by Van Hoose & Steele Funeral Home, which will be handling the services.

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