Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Curtis Cluff Obituary
Curtis possessed an unmatched zest for life and an infinite capacity to love and care for family and friends. He was passionate about his Alma mater, East Carolina, teaching, baseball, and being a grandfather. Mr. Cluff had a generous, positive spirit, animated humor, and was a devoted family man and colleague.
He is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Dia; his mother, Marilyn Cluff; daughters, Heather Blanchard and Reagan Whitfield (husbands are Eddie Blanchard and Matt Whitfield); and granddaughters, Mackenzie and Lauren Blanchard.
Visitation will be held Friday at 1:00 pm with service to follow at 2:00 pm at Mitchell Funeral Home, 7209 Glenwood Avenue, Raleigh, NC 27612.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Hospice of Wake County or the American Lung Cancer Society.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Curtis Cluff
June Napier
December 3, 2010
Curtis had a great gift of making others feel at ease. He will be missed by all who knew him.
Ellen Brown Davidson
December 2, 2010
Dia, Heather and Reagan,
Just wanted to let you know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. What a wonderful person to have in your lives. He meant so much to me as a teacher at Ridgecroft and as a co-worker when I worked over the holidays at Belk Tyler in Ahoskie. He was truly in all ways the definition of a perfect teacher - not only did he influence everyone with his special gift of teaching academics,(simultaneously fun and serious), but he was a great mentor teaching his students the values needed in life... kindness, thoughtfulness, generosity, caring, loving, supportive and all the other adjectives that are so important to portray. I have enjoyed reading all the comments about him on the Ridgecroft Alumni Facebook Page. We will all miss this wonderful person that touched so many lives!
Bee Edwards Sellers
December 2, 2010
Dear Dia and family,
My heart aches for you. Mr. Cluff was an inspiration to his students and his colleagues. Because of his passion for learning and service to others, many of us will want to express our condolences here on these pages. I was fortunate enough to learn under him while at Ridgecroft. Through his encouragement I continued my desire for writing when attending college and as an adult. I often find myself reflecting on lessons learned from him.
May you receive comfort in knowing that he is so loved and respected by all whose lives were touched by this gentle man.
God's peace to you.
(Bumblebee) Class of '79
Crystal Lambert
December 2, 2010
Both me and my husband, along with my mother in law and one of my best friends all worked with Mr. Cluff at the Garner Belk some years back, and he was such a great person to be around. He had so much energy and exuded so much kindness for all of us employees and for all the customers that came into the store. Even afer we stopped working together, he would always show me that same kindness when I would bump into him around town. He was a wonderful person to be around, and he will be missed very much.
Diane Lambright Berry
December 1, 2010
Curtis was a great guy. We met in high school and went together during my junior and part of my senior year. He was funny and popular and easy to know. He holds a special place in my heart. My condolences to Dia and her girls and to the granddaughters. You all loved him best! Diane Lambright Berry
RUTH HARRELL
December 1, 2010
TO CURTIS'S GIRLS,
FROM THE DAY I MET THE WHOLE CLUFF FAMILY WHEN I MOVED TO AHOSKIE IN 1988 , AND I STARTED WORKING AT BELKS YOU ALL MADE ME A PART OF YOUR FAMILY. CURTIS WAS TRULY LIKE A DAD TO ME. SO MANY WONDERFUL MEMORIES OF CURTIS CLUFF A MEMORABLE MAN IN DEED. HE HAD NICKNAMES FOR MANY AND MINE WAS RUTH-A-RAMA. HE WOULD ENCOURAGE ME TO MAKE MY GOALS, AND HE WAS THE FIRST IN LINE TO BUY SOMETHING FOR ONE OF HIS GIRLS. I WILL FOREVER REMEMBER HIM AT BELKS IN AHOSKIE SINGING HAPPY BIRTHDAY FROM ELVIS, AND HIS WACKY ELEPHANT SOUND. GOOD TIMES. HE WILL BE MISSED. LOVE TO YOU ALL.
Barbara Basnight
November 30, 2010
I worked with Curtis 25 years ago at the old Belk's. He was so kind and so full of personality and really cared about people. And he could bring a smile to anyone's face at any given time. I will always think of him with true fondness, as he was a genuine, kind and good man. My prayers go out to his family.
Marc Jordan
November 30, 2010
I first met Curtis in 2000 when I became regional store manager for Belk Stores on the Outer Banks. From the first day we met I liked and respected Curtis. He had such a caring attitude with his associates and customers. When visiting his store you could not keep up with him as he moved so fast and you could hardly talk to him because everyone else was talking to him. I THOUGHT MANY TIMES HE SHOULD HAVE BEEN THE MAYOR OF AHOSKIE!!! I even said it to him once but he said he had enough to do. He was always so kind and helpful to me. Many times we went to lunch together and talked about our families. I got to know Dia and the girls even though I never met them. He also talked of his mom often. Curtis was a leader of our region team and someone you could always count on as a cheerleader to keep the team going. The Ahoskie store was successful because of him. Anyone who ever came in contact with Curtis was blessed.........ESPECIALLY ME!
Candice Dodrill
November 30, 2010
I had the privilege of meeting Curtis through the Belk Tyler group and was immediately impressed by his sense of humor and his zest for life. He was a very special person and a friend to so many. God Bless you Curtis!!
Louis ReDavid
November 30, 2010
To Curtis (Duck),
Life and death are like the movements of the tide. An everlasting cycle of shifting restless seas. Surging, ebbing then turning gently back to kiss the sand, and find calm and ease. Death is not and ending but a new beginning in a far more peaceful place for in the end it is the winning of life's race. You will be missed my dear friend and will reside forever in a special place in my heart. Love You Man, LouRee, VB
Louis ReDavid
November 30, 2010
To Curtis (Duck),
Life and death are like the movements of the tide. An everlasting cycle of shifting restless seas. Surging, ebbing then turning gently back to kiss the sand, and find calm and ease. Death is not and ending but a new beginning in a far more peaceful place for in the end it is the winning of life's race. You will be missed my dear,dear friend and will reside forever in a special place in my heart. Love You Man, LouRee, VB
Debbie Joyner
November 30, 2010
My mother, Geraldine Newsome, worked with Mr. Cluff at Belk for years. He always made a point to speak to us as her children and ask how we were doing. He was a genuine person who much preferred genuine people versus snobby, high society folks. He reminded me of a 60's hippie in some ways...just a for real guy. Mama said they just loved to have a cup of coffee (or more for him)to get the day started off right! Prayers to all of you, he loved his family so much.
November 30, 2010
Dia, Heather and Reagan,
What can I say? Curtis was just a very, very special person and there will never be another like him. As a teacher, he cared so much for his students and the students loved him. As an assistant manager and then manager at Belk in Ahoskie, he was loved and respected by co-workers and customers alike. Never did he back away from anything and seemed to accept everything as a challenge. Malcolm and I felt so blessed that our children had him as a teacher and then when he became a full time employee at Belk in Ahoskie, he was a good friend, also. Our hearts go out to all of you and just know you are being thought of very much at this time. We are planning to be at the Memorial Service Friday and Ann is planning to come, too.
Dia, you and Curtis have been dear friends to us through the years.
May God be with you.
Love,
Sue and Malcolm Copeland
November 30, 2010
Remembering Curtis and all his lovely family while living and working in Ahoskie. We send our deepest condolences to each of you and share in your loss of such a great friend in so many ways. Love, Ruth Ward and Karen Ward Garris
Mary Baker
November 29, 2010
Dear Dia, Heather and Reagan, I'm so very,very sorry about the passing of Curtis. He was a specail gentleman and friend to many while living in Ahoskie. While Heather was a student in my thrid grade, I always had the support of Curtis and Dia and knew just what special parents they were by Heather's great citizenship. My deepest sympathy to each of you in your loss. He was truly a wonderful friend and encourager. With love, Mary Baker
Morris Bullock
November 29, 2010
I met Mr. Cluff during his time as Manager of the Belk store in Garner. He was such a dedicated and hardworking man but never too busy to take care of his people. A kind man who led by example (though few could ever hope to match his pace!), he was wonderful to work for. He ended every morning meeting by saying.."Remember! You're Garner!...and you're Special! But he was special too. A selfish part of me wants him back at Belk, lightening the load with his humor and effort, being coworker and friend, but a better part of me knows that I must trust that God's timing is perfect and it is time for Mr. Cluff to rest.
Natasha Outlaw Sidhu
November 29, 2010
Im really at a loss for words, Mr.Cluff was such an amazing person. He truly loved his family with every bit of his soul and was so sincere with everything he did. Im very happy to be able to have known him and he will be dearly missed.
Peggy Scott
November 29, 2010
I am so sorry to hear of Curtis' passing. I was out of town and could not attend his service. You are close in my heart and I feel as though I lost a friend. Sincerely, Peggy Scott, RN
Alan Copeland
November 29, 2010
Dia, Heather, Reagan, your husband and father is a great man inspiring all of us who had the honor to learn from him at Ridgecroft and know him as a friend and confidant. Mr Cluff will be sorely missed. You all and your families are in my prayers.
November 29, 2010
Dia,
You are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. What a loss for anyone that has known Curtis. I will always remember him by his deep, distinctive voice, his beautiful smile and all the memories that our families shared.
Love you.
Angela Lucas Urquhart
November 29, 2010
DEAR SWEET LITTLE DIA, AS CURTIS WOULD SAY ( I LOVE YA GIRL).WE THINK ABOUT YOU AND CURTIS SO OFTEN WITH LOVING THOUGHTS. I AM SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS, CURTIS WAS WONDERFUL. I LOVED HIS PERSONALITY. YOU WILL CONTINUE TO BE IN MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS. LOVE ALWAYS, KIM KELLY @ RALEIGH ORTHO.CLINIC.
wesley satterfield
November 29, 2010
Dia and Family
I am so sorry for your loss. Curtis was more than just a colleague he was a true friend. I know that you will miss him greatly. We all will miss him and just know that he loved all of you very much.
John Jones
November 29, 2010
Dia, my condolences to you and your family. I was at Ridgecroft when Curtis started teaching there. He brought an enthusiasm, vigor, and passion for teaching that I had never seen before, or since. His passion for literature in particular help a small town boy realize that books were more than just an exercise in reading but an adventure into the complexity of the human experience. He enriched so any lives and will be greatly missed.
Amy White Johnson
November 29, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with the entire family. Mr. Cluff gave me my first job and he will always be my favorite boss. No matter how busy he was, he always had time to listen and no matter how bad the situation was, he always made us laugh. I will never forget the rapport he had with our high school crowd - he was amazing! It grieves me greatly to hear of his passing and I know he will be missed greatly.
Emily Hall
November 29, 2010
Dia, my love and prayers go out to you and the children at this time. I remember Curtis as a fine young husband and father when you and I worked at the News Herald office in Ahoskie. Emily Hall, Ahoskie.
Leah Horton
November 29, 2010
I am so sorry for your loss..I have never met anyone with such a passion for life as was Mr.Curtis Cluff....My prayers are with your family.
Peggy Mulder Newsome
November 28, 2010
Dia
I am so sorry for your loss.I remember Curtis from the Ahoskie Belks.I can always remember him with a smile and kind word to everyone.He will truely be missed by many.May God be with you and your family at this time.I pray that God will give you enter peace.Remember if God brings you to this he will bring you through it.
Jeff & Mildred Aaron
November 28, 2010
Our thoughts, prayers, and sympathies are with the Cluff family. We both worked with Curtis at Belk.
Jeff and Mildred Aaron
Lauren Lawler
November 28, 2010
I had the distinct honor of meeting Curtis 20 yrs ago, earlier in his career with Belk ,in Ahoskie, continuing to his most recentwork with Belk Crabtree. He without a doubt, was one of the most honorable, pleasurable persons I have worked with in my career as a vendor. He always had a smile and a kind word for everyone!!!
He was dedicated in his career with Belk and encouraged those around him with a positive attitude. He was very brave in his battle with cancer and never complained, always said he was doing fine. He will be missed by many of his Belk friends and those of us who knew him through Belk. He touched the lives of many and will be greatly missed!
Lucy Wallace
November 28, 2010
Dia, I am sorry for your loss. Its been a long time since I've seen you and your family since back in the day at the News Herald but I remember Curtis as such fun and so devoted to you and your girls. My sincere condolences to you.
Julie Holland
November 28, 2010
Mr. Cluff was one of the coolest teachers that Ridgecroft shall ever see.We not only had a teacher,we also had a friend for life.My thoughts and prayers go out to his family. Julie Hill Holland
Ju;ie Holland
November 28, 2010
One of the coolest teachers that Ridgecroft will ever see.He was not only our teacher,he became a friend for life.
Laura Blackman
November 28, 2010
What a great guy!! He was one of my most admired teachers at Ridgecroft. The world needs more people with his joy and energy. My thoughts and prayers of comfort are for his family and children. I enjoyed seeing him at Belk in Crabtree, where we would catch up on classmates and other news. He will be greatly missed.
Love,
Laura Weaver Blackman
Lizard or Liz-given by Mr. Cluff in 1977(and it still is with me)
Charlene Raven
November 28, 2010
Mr. Cluff was one of the BEST teachers I've ever had. He was always interested in our ideas and was an inspiration to me. He was the one who started me off writing poetry and short stories. I have always thought fondly of him over the years since graduation. He will definitely be missed. My condolences to his family...he was much loved at Ridgecroft.
Showing 1 - 34 of 34 results
Make a Donation
in Curtis Cluff's name
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.
Memorial Events
for Curtis Cluff
How to support Curtis's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Curtis Cluff's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
