Gary Wayne Curtis, age 78, of Wickliffe, Kentucky, passed away on Sunday, August 17, 2025, at Clinton Place Nursing Home in Clinton, Kentucky.
Gary was born in Wyatt, Missouri, on June 3, 1947, to the late Elwayne and Hazel Thorton Curtis.
For most of his life, Gary was an ironworker with the Local 782. Gary was also a commercial fisherman, which to him was more than just a job; it was a hobby that he enjoyed and respected. His friends knew him as someone who would drop everything without hesitation to help, whether it was for a major project or a minor fix. Among the many friendships he cherished, Gary thought greatly about Dee Hazelwood and the impact Dee had on his life.
Gary loved the simple pleasures in life, like tending to his garden and cutting firewood, but more than anything, Gary's heart belonged to his grandchildren. His role as a grandfather was one he embraced with all his heart. Gary Wayne Curtis lived fully and loved deeply. His absence will be felt by all who were fortunate enough to know him.
Gary is survived by his son, Jason (Angela) Curtis of Wickliffe; a sister, Retha Curtis of Sikeston, Missouri; four brothers, Kevin (Lisa) Curtis of Marietta, Georgia, Lowell (Lillie) Curtis of Cedartown, Georgia, Delbert (Debbie) Curtis of Mayfield, Kentucky, and Stan Curtis of Atlanta, Georgia; six grandchildren, Kirk Tucker, Crysania Tucker, Naoma (Alex Schroerlucke) Curtis, Janie (Max) Haupt, Miah (Hunter) Matlock, and Mandi (Brian) Curtis; five great-grandchildren, Johnny Matlock, Willow Schroerlucke, Theo Schroerlucke, Scarlett Matlock, and Skylynn Hilliard; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his son, Johnny Curtis; a sister, Sandra Westbrook; and his parents.
Funeral services will be held at 12:00 pm on Thursday, August 21, 2025, at Milner & Orr Funeral Home of Wickliffe with Dee Hazlewood officiating. Burial will follow at Bethlehem Church Cemetery in Wickliffe.
Visitation will be held from 10:00 am until the service time of 12:00 pm on Thursday, August 21, 2025, at the funeral home.
Expressions of sympathy may be made to Gideons International, Ballard County, PO Box 10, Kevil, KY 42053.
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