Curry Jemison Bassett, Sr., 89, passed away Thursday, April 15, 2010, in Punta Gorda, Fl.

Curry was born on January 21, 1921, in Monticello, Florida, to Wilmer W. and Ruby Burt Bassett, Sr. He graduated from Leon High School in 1939. After attending the University of Florida, he returned to Monticello, to work on the family dairy farm. In 1946, he moved to Tallahassee to continue his work with Bassett Dairies, Inc. for a period of ten years. While in Tallahassee, he was a charter member and elder in the Faith Presbyterian Church, president of the Tallahassee Kiwanis Club, and president of the Tallahassee Jaycees. In Winter Haven, Florida, he was the chairman of the building committee and on the board of elders at Grace Lutheran Church. He was currently a member at Burnt Store Presbyterian Church in Punta Gorda, Florida. During his 55 year career in the dairy industry, he also worked for the Borden Company, Barber’s Dairy, and Velda Farms. Before retirement, he served as president and lobbyist for the Florida Dairy Products Association for eight years.

Curry is survived by his wife of 41 years, Bertie Bassett, and their children; Stephen Bassett of Charlotte, North Carolina, and Tammy Leopard and husband Andy, of Lakeland, Florida, and his children by former wife, Melvyne Coe Bassett; Curry Bassett, Jr. of Ocala, Florida, Bill Bassett and wife Stephanie of Chattanooga, Tennessee, Ruby Burt McCowan and husband Ed of Fort Smith, Arkansas, and Scott Bassett and wife Gina of Fort Pierce, Florida. Other survivors include one brother, Jake Bassett and wife June of Perry, Florida, 12 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents of Monticello, Florida, former wife, Melvyne Coe Bassett of Ocala, Florida, and three brothers, Wilmer Bassett, Jr. of Monticello, Florida, Burt Bassett, of Tallahassee, Florida, and Ray Bassett, of Ocala, Florida.