A Bethany College alumnus and longtime employee who served under seven Bethany presidents died July 11 in Griffin, Ga. Joseph M. Kurey was 81.
As a student at Bethany, Kurey was a starter on the basketball team for four years and was named its most valuable player. He also won conference tennis titles in singles and doubles.
As a senior, he was named Most Outstanding Athlete and was inducted into the Bethany College Athletic Hall of Fame in 1978.
Kurey graduated in 1962 with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics. He continued his studies at the University of Dayton, where he received a master’s degree in education.
Shortly after, Kurey returned to Bethany to coach the basketball and tennis teams in what became a 45-year career at the college. He later shifted to administrative roles, including assistant dean of men, registrar, chief business officer, vice president of finance, and senior counsel to the president. In his final year, he served as athletic director.
In 1985, the Bethany College Alumni Association honored him with the Distinguished Service to Alma Mater Award.
Upon Kurey’s retirement in 2006, the Board of Trustees bestowed upon him the title of Vice President for Finance and Treasurer Emeritus.
Kurey was also active in the community, serving as mayor of Bethany and as a member of several Brooke County commissions.
During his undergraduate studies, he met his wife Carol ’61.
Upon retirement, the couple moved to Sun City Peach Tree in Griffin, Ga.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by two sons, a daughter, and seven grandchildren.
A funeral service is set for 3 p.m. Saturday in Griffin. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations to the Joseph Kurey Memorial Fund at Bethany College, 31 E. Campus Drive, Bethany, WV 26032-0419.
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