Mourners Gather At Former P.G. County Executive Wayne Curry's Funeral

UPPER MARLBORO, Md. (WJZ) -- Maryland's political leaders gather to pay final respects to Wayne Curry. The former Prince George's County executive died last week.

But as Pat Warren reports, his influence lives on.

Wayne Curry was both politician and hometown hero.

"We've come to celebrate the life of an incredible individual that had an impact on so many peoples' lives."

That "we" that came to celebrate included Governor O'Malley, Senator Ben Cardin, Comptroller Peter Franchot and former governor Paris Glendening.

Curry was the first African-American county executive in Prince George's, serving from 1994 to 2002.

"And when you met with Wayne, if you didn't have an outcome, you would be out and you wouldn't be invited to come again," said Senator Barbara Mikulski.

"Thank you Wayne, for having the courage to care," Governor O'Malley said.

Wayne Curry died of lung cancer at age 63. He is survived by his wife, two children and a grateful county.

President Obama and former president Bill Clinton sent notes of condolence.

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