SMITHFIELD—Geany “Gean” Curlee, 81, died June 8, 2008, at home.

Mr. Curlee was a native of Biloxi, Miss., and had been a resident of Isle of Wight County for the past 20 years.

He was a Navy veteran of WWII and Korea. He retired from the military as a Chief Petty Officer in 1969 after 20 years of service.

After retirement, he remained of the Tiger Team (U.S. Navy) and continued to work with the nuclear Titan submarines.

He was an ordained minister of the United Church of Christ. He was a member of Bethany.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Grace Bowles Curlee.

Survivors include his daughter, Ruth Curlee of Richmond; and his grandson, Lars Peterson and wife Meg Chamberlain of Asheville, N.C.

A graveside service will be conducted 10 a.m. today in Bethany United Methodist Church Cemetery, with the Rev. Lowell Petry officiating.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to Bethany United Methodist Church, c/o Raymond Edwards, 13088 Mill Swamp Road, Smithfield, 23430.

Arrangements are in the care of Colonial Funeral Home, Smithfield.