A Tribute To Melvin D. Curry, Jr.

Melvin Curry has been a member of the faculty at Florida College since 1963. He served as chairman of the Bible Department from 1975-1991. Without doubt he has taught more different courses than any other teacher in the history of the college. In addition to courses in New Testament, Old Testament, Religious Thought, Biblical Languages (both Hebrew and Greek), he taught Humanities for several years.

On the occasion of his formal retirement from Florida College, his colleagues in the department of Biblical Studies, and other former students and associates have contributed to the "Festschrift" as a tribute to Melvin Curry. It is hoped that these essays will be of value to others who serve in the Kingdom of God.

Melvin Curry was reared in a family of devout Christians and has remained true to that commitment throughout his life. One writer suggests that he be given the title, "Mr. Bible Department." And another calls him "student, scholar, and friend." One aptly calls him "A Man for All Seasons (and all semesters, too)."

In addition to teaching at Florida College, Melvin Curry has been active in preaching for congregations in the Tampa Bay area. He and his wife Shirley have reared five children in Temple Terrace. Melvin, Shirley, and all of the children have attended Florida College. The college will not be the same without him, but we will remember his good work and build on it.

The contributors to this "Festschrift" have been either a student of Melvin Curry at Florida College or one of his colleagues on the faculty; some have been both. One was his teacher. One has known him since the first grade. Two of them were his fellow students at Florida Christian College. Each of them counts him a friend.

Dee Bowman, CG "Colly" Caldwell, Kenneth Chumbley, John Clark, Thaxter Dickey, Homer Hailey, James A. Hodges, Ferrell Jenkins, Jason Longstreth, David McClister, Ray Madrigal, Bob Owen, Marty Pickup, Daniel W. Petty, Curtis Pope, Phil Roberts, Shane Scott, Michael Schmidt, Almon WIlliams, Steve Wolfgang