Raymond Richard Currier, Jr.

Raymond Richard Currier Jr. passed away peacefully at his home following a brief illness. Born in Roxboro, NC to Raymond Richard Currier Sr. and Ida Frances Harris Currier, he leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, and unwavering devotion to those he held dear. Known to his multitude of friends and family as Richard, Rich, Dick, Dickie, Pappy, and even “Shark,” he will be remembered for his kind heart, love of life, sense of humor, and the deep care he always showed to family and friends.

Richard grew up in Roxboro; Pittsburgh, PA; and eventually Charlotte. A graduate of South Mecklenburg High School, he was drafted into the US Army during the Vietnam Era, and proudly served his country as a Spec 4 at Fort Jackson, SC, and Landstuhl/Ramstein Air Force Base in Germany, where he worked in the motor pool. Cars would become a theme of his career, as he took a job with DuPont’s automotive finishes division upon his honorable discharge—a position he held for four decades until retirement. Richard became the “mix master” in his role at DuPont, providing custom paint and finishes for the NASCAR’s Hendrick Motorsports team, in particular for NASCAR great #24, Jeff Gordon, in whose pit Richard spent many happy race days.

Richard never met a stranger. He had a gift for conversation and storytelling, and had many adventures (and misadventures!) during his lifetime to provide source material for his yarns. In every phase of his life, he made good, meaningful, and lasting friendships. As an adult, he became a skilled golfer and enjoyed countless hours playing golf and hanging out over a beer with his dad and buddies at Sharon Golf Club in Charlotte. He enjoyed all kinds of music, was a great shag dancer, enjoyed all kinds of sports on TV, and was surprisingly sharp about current events and matters that matter. In more recent years, when he was less able to be out and about, he loved his time in the backyard sunshine with his beloved dogs Harry and Willie.

Above all, Richard cherished his family. He was predeceased by his parents, Ray and Frances, and his wife Katherine Turner Currier, and first wife Sherry Mangum Mullican. Surviving him are his daughters Kimberly (Marco) Balan and Jennie (Jeff) Harper. He was beloved Pappy to his grandchildren Amanda (Kevin) Balan Curtis, Stephanie (Dillon) Balan Robinson, Matthew Balan, and Logan Harper; and great-grandchildren Bo and Millie Robinson. He is also survived by his brother David (Nancy) Currier, sister Connie (Chris) Holoman, and many loving nieces, a nephew, and Currier and Wilkins cousins.

The family is grateful for the compassionate care of Via Heath Partners Hospice and Palliative Care, that allowed Richard to spend his final weeks at home with his loving family. Those who wish to honor his memory should do so by living their lives with kindness and good humor and, if so inclined, by donations in Richard’s name to a charity close to their heart.

A visitation to celebrate the life of Richard will be held on Friday, April 3, 2026 from 11:00 am until 12:30 pm at Withers & Whisenant Funeral Home.

Withers & Whisenant Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 2916 Union Road, Gastonia, NC (704) 864-5144 is serving the family.  Online condolences may be made at: www.withersandwhisenantfuneral.com