Tents for Troops founder Charlie Curry died earlier this month after suffering a heart attack at his home in Castle Rock, Wash., where he operated the nonprofit group as well as an RV resort he developed, Toutle River RV Resort. He was 62.
Over the past decade, Curry had worked tirelessly to promote Tents for Troops to campgrounds, military members and in recent years, RV OEMs, suppliers and dealerships. When he wasn’t at home with his family, Curry visited military bases, campgrounds and RV shows across the country to promote the nonprofit group, make new friends and re-connect with old pals. His sincerity, kindness and warm personality will be missed by those who knew him.
Curry is survived by his mother, two sisters and three nieces.
Before his work with Tents for Troops and Toutle River RV Resort, Curry had owned a small music venue and bar, worked as a band manager and promotional company. Though show business had taken a backseat to his nonprofit and RV park in recent years, Curry remained a consummate promoter, and always seemed to be developing a new angle to bring attention to his cause. Notably, he often called upon friends and celebrity contacts to put in a good word for his organization, both online (as Willie Nelson did in a Facebook post to promote T4T) and at his show booths.
During a lull at an RVDA Expo in Las Vegas, Curry said he’d called entertainer Wayne Newton to come by for a quick photo at the booth. A few minutes later, Newton strolled past the security check of the exhibit hall in a black tuxedo, and over to the booth for a photo with a Tents for Troops supporter, retired Navy Seal Trevor Wilson.
A celebration of life will be held at Toutle River RV Resort in late August.