Raymond Curtis

Raymond Curtis, age 96, entered his heavenly home on December 18, 2023. He was born April 5, 1927 in Wilbur, Kentucky to Cora and Elliot Curtis.

After he’d moved to Dayton Ohio, Raymond was working on his new Kaiser and was whistled at by a beautiful 18- year- old redhead who saw only his thick wavy black hair and his backside. He whistled back and on November 14, 2023, they celebrated their 73rd anniversary. Their union produced four children, two of whom preceded him in death. His sons, Timothy Alan Curtis and Anthony Richard Curtis, were “ his boys” and we have the certainty and joy of knowing that he is has reunited with them. He  is survived by his wife Anna, daughters Linda Gault (Larry), and Pamela Curtis; grandchildren Robyn Poling (Steve), Ryan Williams (Megan), Beth Curtis, Holly Garbe, Heather Morrison (Chad); great-grandchildren Timothy Curtis, Brianna Garbe, Madalyn and Katherine Jenkins, Gillian and Elliot Morrison, Chase, Connor, and Caleb Williams, step-great grandchildren Juli ( Jacob) Ross, Robert (Taylor) Poling; sister Marie Fields; sister-in-law Mary Wells, and many loving nieces and nephews as well as lifelong caring friends and neighbors. His three brothers Darby, Ova, and John preceded him in death.

Raymond grew up with his parents and siblings in Wilbur, Kentucky, where his strong work ethic first developed. Even at 96 years old, Ray’s keen memory never faded, enabling him to tell stories of his childhood and the area in which he was raised.

Ray joined the Army Air Corps in 1945, serving as a helicopter mechanic until his honorable discharge. He then began his career at National Cash Register and for the next 29 years he worked as an inspector until the company closed its Dayton offices. He and Anna then began their own cleaning service and worked side by side for the next several years. He nurtured and provided for his tight little family unit of six, lovingly and consistently. Saturday nights were always special when, following supper, he would make a gigantic pan of slightly burnt popcorn and the family would  watch Gunsmoke.  He always loved the outdoors and it remained a lifelong passion. He grew the best black raspberries around and generously shared them with the birds. He loved feeding the many squirrels that regularly came to his porch and insisted that they loved eating the junk food he provided them on a daily basis. He was rarely seen outdoors without one of his many baseball caps, and usually wearing one of his purple shirts. His sense of humor and playfulness will never be forgotten.  He remained a humble man, extremely proud of his family, and knew that he was loved beyond measure.

Visitation will be held on Thursday December 21 at 10:00 a.m. followed by worship at 11:00 at Abiding Christ Lutheran Church, 326. E Dayton-Yellow Springs Rd in Fairborn, Ohio, Pastor Tom Batterman presiding. Burial with military honors will take place at Byron Cemetery.

The family would like to thank the congregations of Abiding Christ Lutheran church and United Christian Church for their ongoing prayers and support during this difficult time. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to “Dinner’s On Us” at United Christian Church 88611 Hoke Rd in Clayton, OH 45315 or Ohio’s Hospice of Dayton.  Arrangements in care of Belton-Stroup Funeral Home.