People Line Up to Bid Farewell to Former Prince George's County Executive Wayne Curry

People waited in long lines at the Prince George’s County administration building Tuesday to say goodbye to former County Executive Wayne Curry, an innovator who left a permanent mark on his community.

Prince George's County Executive Rushern Baker III made a few remarks at the beginning of the day.

Curry was diagnosed with lung cancer in August 2013. He died last Wednesday morning at his home at the age of 63.

Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley has ordered that state flags fly at half-staff Thursday in Curry's honor.

Curry was elected in 1994 as Prince George's first African-American executive.

During his eight years in office, Curry brought unprecedented change to Prince George's, including a 150 percent increase in home sales, a significant expansion of business development, and a 68 percent drop in police misconduct -- though he remained modest about it.

Last month, he told Vance he felt "pretty good," but wanted to publicize the disparities of cancer treatment in the United States, where African Americans are beset by lung cancer more than any other people.

He also vowed to educate other African-Americans about the dangers of smoking and the real threat of cancer.

On Thursday, a funeral service will be held at First Baptist Church of Glenarden at 600 Watkins Park Drive in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. Public viewing will begin at 9:30 a.m. and the service will begin at 11:00 a.m.

Contributions to the Wayne K. Curry Lung Cancer Disparity Awareness Fund can be sent to the address below:

Wayne K. Curry Lung Cancer Disparity Awareness Fund
c/o Prince Georges Community Foundation
8181 Professional Place, Suite 275
Hyattsville, MD 20785

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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