Raymond Curling

Raymond M. Curling NORFOLK - On July 7, 2010, Raymond M. "Doc" Curling of Norfolk went on his last motorcycle ride to meet with lost friends and family. He was predeceased by his wife, John Alice McClain Curling and four sisters, Edith Saunders, Lola Williams, Vivian Lawrence and June Chappel. He will be missed by his son, Kristopher Curling and his "almost" daughter, Margaret Moreau of Norfolk; his sister, Barbara Calhoun and brother, M.R. Ronny Curling and his wife Linda of Chesapeake. Besides the cousins and extended family, he leaves friends behind that are too numerous to count, most of which knew him as Doc or simply Pop. At 84, he was a native of Norfolk County and an avid biker who enjoyed nothing more than to ride his Honda everywhere and visit with people. He was a master mechanic and machinist who could diagnose problems simply by hearing them. He also loved carpentry work and built numerous items around the house as well as remodeling the building itself. A part of the great generation who served this country in World War II, he was a corpsman on a ship in the Pacific Theater and tended to many of our wounded soldiers in that terrible time. He was once up on a four-day stint aboard ship and slept for the following 26 hours on a coil of rope because he just wanted to rest his eyes a bit. He was one of those truly rare individuals that it could be said that the only people that didn't like him had never met him. He endeared himself to everyone but always had a special twinkle in his eye for every lady he met. He also had that special impish ability to "stir the pot" and make everyone roll their eyes. His son, Kristopher, has been fortunate enough to have lived with him for many years and has had the extraordinary luck and pleasure to get to know his Pop as an individual and friend. Sometimes frustrating and exasperating, there was also the mutual deep love and respect that everyone should wish to have with family. In accordance with Raymond's wishes, there will be no services or ceremonies. The family will receive visitors at the home in Norfolk for a wake. He is to be remembered with pictures and funny stories, not sadness. Altmeyer Funeral Home, Southside Chapel, is handling arrangements. Condolences may be offered to the family at www. altmeyer.com. Enjoy the big ride Pop, I'll always miss you.