Vaughn Hal Currie

Vaughn Hal Currie, 81 of Biloxi, passed away August 02, 2022 at his home. He was born June 13, 1941 in the small town of Hazelhurst, MS, the son of Carl Elmer and Willie Mae (Welch) Currie. He grew up South Central MS while his father served in the US Army during World War II. He was an outgoing country boy that was self-motivated and determined to say the least. Vaughn was attending high school, but decided to join the US Navy three months before his eighteenth birthday. He actually completed his GED while serving aboard the USS Helena (CA-75) as an ammunition loading foreman. During his sea time, Helena operated in West Coast and western Pacific waters, taking part in several amphibious operations with ships of the 1st Fleet, elements of the First Marine Division, and the Third Marine Air Wing. Vaughn stayed busy while off duty, taking some college courses while he was aboard as well. Following his honorable discharge, he worked as a mechanic for a while before he got into drag racing. He worked as a mechanic originally, for the Mopar team with Herb McCandless, better known as "Mr. 4 Speed, or the Living Legend". Later Vaughn started driving some himself some, and really caught on quickly. He found himself not only racing, but winning at tracks across the country. He became widely known and had a successful career as a mechanic and driver for many years. Vaughn also loved to play golf when he could, and was quite accomplished there as well. After he stopped racing, he even worked and taught as a club pro at a few different clubs in Florida, Arizona, South Carolina, and more. Vaughn led a very active life to say the least, but that was him. He was definitely his own man, unapologetically doing what he wanted and loved his entire life. If anything, the Helena's motto, "Proud and Fearless", seemed to fit him to a "T". In recent years, he had settled down in Biloxi, working as a security guard at a coast casino. He was introduced to Ildiko Luteran in 2019 by some friends and they immediately hit it off. If ever there was 'love at first sight', then this was surely it. They were married a few weeks after meeting and spent the next three years enjoying life together. He is remembered as a loving husband that appreciated his time with Ildiko. They were inseparable and did literally everything together. Among their favorites were visiting the casinos, going out to dinner, and much more. Vaughn was a determined fellow who loved to talk. There were no strangers from his perspective, so conversation came easy. In his spare time, he enjoyed old western movies and tinkering around the house. He could literally do or fix anything really. But more than anything, Vaughn enjoyed just being at home these past couple of years, relaxing with Ildiko. Though he had lost connections with many friends and family members over the years, he will be fondly remembered by many, and sadly missed by Ildiko and those who knew and loved him. Vaughn was preceded by his father, Carl Currie, and his mother, Willie Mae Lee. Left to cherish his memories are: his loving wife of the past three years Ildiko, and his stepdaughter, Melissa (Larry) Kreps of North Carolina. Vaughn leaves several extended family members and many, many friends made at race tracks and golf courses across the country. His final wishes were to be cremated and his ashes scattered in the ocean, which his family is honoring. Trinity Funeral Services is honored to serve the Currie family in their time of need, and asks that you remember them in your thoughts and prayers during this trying time.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Vaughn Hal Currie, please visit our floral store.