Deacon Willie C. Curtis

Deacon Willie C. Curtis, age 85, departed this life on Sunday July 18, 2021 at Ridgewood Care Center. Willie was born in Calhoun City, MS on June 4, 1936, son of the late Eli and Thelma (nee: Gladney) Curtis.

He was educated at Mary C. Wade High School, Verona, MS. Willie accepted Christ at an early age at Red Oak Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Tupelo, MS. In his younger years, Willie lived in Grand Rapids before relocating to Racine, where he served as an active Deacon at Trinity United Missionary Baptist Church. He was also a dedicated 32nd degree Master Mason of Amos Lodge #111 of Racine, WI, Scottish Rite..

Willie was employed with JI Case Co. for thirty-three years before retiring in 1991. In his spare time, “Bruh” as he was affectionately known, enjoyed small game hunting, fishing, horse racing, watching wrestling and listening to gospel music. An avid CB operator, Willie was also known as “Shadowman” KBO1628 and was a part of the Rooster’s Channel Jumpers. He is smiling down now because the Brewers are doing well. Above all, Willie will be best remembered for his great love for his family.

Willie will be dearly missed by his wife of forty-two years, Lucy Mae Curtis; sister, Thelma Cook of Verona, MS; children, Dennis Curtis of Grand Rapids, Derrick Weaver of Las Vegas, Derrick (Angie) Hicks of Madison, Shenan Harris, Corey Curtis, Dania Curtis, Chris Curtis, all of Racine; and a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews; special cousin, John Ed Patterson; longtime friends, William Berryhill and Tee Hilliard; other relatives and friends. In addition to his parents, Willie was also preceded in death by his sons, Ronald Curtis, Gregory Curtis, Dexter Patterson, Marshall “Billy” Hicks; grandchildren, Davion Vinson, Rickey “Boobie” Lyons III; sister, Dorothy Hamilton; brother-in-law, Richard Cook; and auntie, Rosie King.

Visitation will be held at Trinity United Missionary Baptist Church, 306 5th street, on Saturday July 24, 2021, from 9:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. with a service celebrating Willie’s life to start at 10:30 a.m., with Rev. Buddy O. Vinson officiating. Interment will follow at Graceland Cemetery.

The family extends a special thank you to the staff at Ridgewood Care Center for their loving and compassionate care.