Former U.S. Equestrian Team Foundation Chairman Brownlee O. Currey Jr., an admired figure in the horse world, died March 18 at 91.
Many knew him as one of the owners of Touch of Class, the thoroughbred mare on whom Joe Fargis won team and individual Olympic gold at the 1984 Los Angeles Games. But he influenced the entire sport.
In 2016, the USET Foundation awarded Currey the R. Bruce Duchossois Distinguished Trustee Award, which is presented annually to one of its trustees, who exemplifies exceptional leadership, philanthropy and character. In addition to his stewardship of the Foundation, he led several charitable efforts, including chairing a benefit for the American Horse Shows Association during the National Horse Show, co-chairing the Nashville Charity Horse Show in 1985 and hosting the Music City Grand Prix to benefit Easter Seals and the Saddle Up! therapeutic riding program. He and his wife, Agneta, were also long-time supporters of The Hampton Classic.
Brownlee Currey
A fighter pilot during the Korean War, he became a businessman after earning a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Vanderbilt University. He was a director, a senior vice president and a member of the executive committee of Equitable Securities Morton & Company, Inc., a subsidiary of American Express.In 1970, he became vice chairman in New York of the Commerce Union Corp., which subsequently became Bank of America.
After resigning from that position, he purchased the Nashville Banner newspaper, which he served as chairman, chief executive officer and publisher between 1980 and 1998. In 1989, he co-founded Osborn Communications, a public radio company, and served as chairman until it was sold in 1997.
He served on numerous boards throughout his lifetime, including the United States Equestrian Team, the Show Jumping Hall of Fame and Museum and the Volunteer State Horseman’s Association.
Mr. Currey is survived by his wife Agneta; children Christian Brownlee Currey, well-known jumper rider; Stephanie Currey Ingram, and Frances Currey Briggs, as well as 12 grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life will be held in Nashville and New York on dates to be determined.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Vanderbilt University, Gift Processing Office, PMB 407127, 2301 Vanderbilt Place, Nashville, TN 37240 or Montgomery Bell Academy, 4001 Harding Road, Nashville, TN 37205.