“Bradley ‘Brad’ Norton Currey Jr. poured millions into elevating Atlanta to world-class status, while shunning recognition for himself,” writes Martha Anne Tudor in Thursday’s (1/13) Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “With successful careers in both the banking and paper industries, his generous donations were anonymous, and often in honor of others…. He was integral in Emory University’s growth from regional to global research entity. The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra credits him with its rise from regional to international renown.… Currey died at his residence in Atlanta on Jan. 6. He was 91…. Born in Chattanooga, Tennessee, in 1930 during the Great Depression, Currey grew up in a home where life was arranged around radio programs of orchestral music and opera. He would later say that is when he fell in love with symphonies, and when his parents’ example of community service inspired his own.” In 1951 he “took a job as teller trainee at Trust Company of Georgia. Over the next 23 years, he [rose] to chief financial officer and director of the bank holding company…. He retired as CEO [of WestRock] in 2000…. When the ASO asked to honor Currey at a gala, he said no thanks.…‘He was determined to stay away from the limelight and give credit to others,’ said ASO Executive Director Jennifer Barlament.”
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