Cecil Curtis Sr.

Cecil Martin Curtis, Sr. CHARLOTTE - Cecil Martin Curtis, Sr., 82, of Friendsville, TN, formerly of Charlotte, NC passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, August 16, 2014. He was born in Marion, NC on September 15, 1931. He was the son of the late Martin L. and Hannie R. Curtis and brother of the late William Eugene Curtis. He is survived by his wife of 54 years Carolyn Blackwelder Curtis; a brother, Arnold Lee Curtis and wife Pat of Newton, KS; his daughters, Lynn Curtis Carmichael and husband James of Friendsville, TN, Susan Curtis Campbell and husband Hugh of Mt Airy, NC, Julie Gail Curtis of Zama City, Japan; his son, Cecil Martin Curtis, Jr. of Durham, NC; his mother-in-law, Willie Mae Blackwelder of Salisbury, NC; his brother-in-law, Glenn Herman Blackwelder of Chicago, IL; his five grandchildren, James, Katie, Will, Elizabeth and Jack; and his faithful dog, Patch. Cecil was a beloved husband, father and grandfather. He was "CM", "Pop Pop" or, when he was playing with the grandchildren, affectionately known as the "Head Man." Cecil grew up in Marion, NC and attended McDowell County schools. From 1951 to 1954, he served in the United States Navy as a Radarman 3rd Class, including two tours aboard the USS Philippine Sea during the Korean War, and received an Honorable Discharge. He attended the University of North Carolina, graduating in 1959 with a BS in Business Administration. He earned a Bachelor of Laws from the University of North Carolina School of Law in 1961. He was a member of the UNC General Alumni Association and Rams Club. Cecil was a successful trial lawyer in Charlotte, NC, practicing with distinction for 37 years. He loved the law and took great pride in serving others. He was admitted to practice in the Supreme Court of the United States on February 22, 1977 and the United States Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit on October 10, 1991. He was a member of the Mecklenburg County and North Carolina Bar Associations, and the North Carolina Academy of Trial Lawyers. He joined the Eastern Charlotte Lions Club in 1964, serving as Club President in 1971-1972, and ultimately was honored as a life member. He also served on the Board of Trustees for the Boys and Girls Home of North Carolina, for ten years, and on the Executive Committee for eight years. He was a life-long Methodist and attended Hawthorne Road United Methodist Church, St. Stephens United Methodist Church and Hickory Grove United Methodist Church in Charlotte, NC. He was the Chairman of the Building Committee for St. Stephens. At Hickory Grove, he served as Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Chairman of the Pastor/Staff Parish Relations Committee, and as the Western NC Conference Laity Leader. He also coached youth basketball teams. Cecil was a devoted member of the Cokesbury Sunday School Class, enjoying lively class discussions and developed many lifelong friendships. Cecil had a wide range of hobbies and interests over his lifetime, including listening to music, studying both science and history, bird watching, obtaining a pilot's license, playing cards, golfing, reading the poetry of Robert Frost and cheering for his beloved Tar Heels (especially when they beat Dook). He enjoyed vacations at Sunset Beach, picnics on the Blue Ridge Parkway and spirited conversations about politics and current events. Above all, Cecil loved spending time with his family, who cherished his integrity, wisdom, quick wit, and loving nature. Visitation will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, August 30, 2014 followed by a memorial service at 11:00 AM at Hickory Grove United Methodist Church, 6401 Hickory Grove Rd., Charlotte, NC 28215. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association or Humane Society. Arrangements by Cremation By Grandview, Maryville, TN, www.CremationByGrandview.com, 865-806-8170.