Erbie Marquette “Curley” Cathey, 90, of Warren, died Thursday December 7, 2023, at the Bradley County Medical Center in Warren. He was born Monday September 18, 1933 at his home in Blue Springs, a community outside of Banks, a son of the late Carl Lee Cathey and Lola Creed Cathey.
Curley was a Baptist and a 32nd Degree Mason.
Also preceding him in death was a brother Aubra Cathey, sisters Beadie Rice and Myrtle Crain.
In the early years he worked eight years in the logging woods, in 1965, Curley opened a service station at Main and Central where his used car business began. In 1967, he purchased a Mobil Station and Main Street in Warren and operated it for several years before he moved his business out on Hwy 278 and opened Curley’s Wrecker and Salvage. Curley’s was known for shipping parts all over the southern United States and very well know for Curley’s wrecker service which he operated for over 48 years. In 1986, along with his son, Tony, they opened South Ark Auto Auction and it operated for 35 years successfully.
Curley is survived by his wife of 71 years, Mrs. Joette Wallace Cathey; his children Alesia Cathey Lassiter (Donald Lee), Warren; Tony Cathey (Kim), Warren. Grandchildren Jeff Cathey (Holly), Joey Cathey (Cassidy), Brannigan Dixon (Brian), and Marqus Lassiter. Two step grandchildren, Megan Hollaway (Nick), and Justin Smith. 11 great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.
Funeral services were held 10:30 a.m. Saturday, December 9, at Frazer’s Chapel. Burial in Crossroads cemetery by Frazer’s Funeral Home. Visitation was held 10:00 a.m. till service time on Saturday.
