Samie Lee McCurley passed away at home on July 22, 2013 with his wife by his side.  He was born on February 8, 1940 in Malvern, Arkansas to Flower Lee Bryant and Samuel McCurley.  He came to Duluth, MN at the age of 12 and graduated from Duluth Central High School in 1958.  Samie was voted the most athletic student in his class, earning Varsity Letters in football, basketball, and track.  Samie had worked at U.S. Steel for 10 years, Otis Elevator Co., and Burlington Northern Railroad for 30 years.  He married Carol on November 17, 1973. Samie was a die-hard fan of the Lakers and the Vikings.  He was an avid fisherman and he loved his boat.  He enjoyed hosting parties and took great pride in his home.  Samie was a board member of the Clayton Jackson McGhie Memorial Committee, and served three terms as President of the African - American Men's Group.  He was a sharp dresser, a gentleman, and had a "Big Heart".  Samie could fix anything, and never hesitated to tackle home improvement projects.  He loved to listen to jazz, and could play a mean game of pool.  Samie drove to the University of MN Hospital countless times to be with his children when they received liver transplants and treatment of liver disease.  He was devoted to his family.  Samie's stable, loving and supportive presence will always be missed. He is survived by his wife Carol, son Zevin McCurley, daughter Katie McCurley, grandson Zevin Lewis, twin sister Rosie Hope, sisters Mildred Thomas and Louise Fails, and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. Visitation will be held on Friday July 26, 2013 from Noon until the 1PM Funeral Service in Sunrise Funeral Home.  Burial will be in Forest Hill Cemetery.  Arrangements by Sunrise Funeral Home.  To leave an online condolence see www.sunrisefuneralhomeandcemetery.com.