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John Curtis

1934 - 2021

John Curtis obituary, 1934-2021, Athens, GA

John Curtis Obituary

John Russell Curtis was born in Bessemer City North Carolina where he grew up and went to high school. His father, the late James Richard Curtis, owned the neighborhood pharmacy. He spent many hours working in the drug store and interacting with the people in the small town. His mother, the late Nell Williams Curtis, was an avid reader and known to write poetry.
He attended the University of North Carolina where he received a BA in history and later went on to medical school and psychiatric residency.
After college he moved to Lexington Kentucky, where he served in the Public Health Service. He was the head of the men's addiction unit at the Federal Narcotic Hospital, and he served on the faculty at the University of Kentucky.
In 1968 he moved to Athens, Georgia where he became the youngest director of the University Health Service. In his 17 years with the University Health Service, he revamped the program turning it into the best in the Southeast and one of extreme renown in the country.
After leaving the university, he worked at Charter Winds hospital and served as its first medical director. At that time he opened his private practice. In that capacity he touched the lives of many people in northeast Georgia, particularly in the Athens community.
He and his wife, Joan, traveled extensively, particularly to Italy where they made many friends. He is survived by his wife, Joan Curtis, his children, John Russell Curtis, Jr., Elizabeth Curtis (Liz), and Mary Curtis Gray, and his four grandchildren, John Richard Curtis, Emily Gray, Olivia Gray and Evan Dunlap as well as his brother, Donald W. Curtis, and his niece Donna McClatchey both of Raleigh, NC.
Donations in his memory can be sent to his much-loved church, St. Gregory the Great, 3195 Barnett Shoals Road, Athens. GA 30605. Or give online at https://www.stgregoryathens.org/giving-to-st-gregorys

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Gaston Gazette on Jan. 10, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for John Curtis

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Group of 10 Memorial Trees

Deborah and Fred Muth

Planted Trees

Mrs. Bill Kincaid

January 13, 2021

I remember John as an out standing young man. His family was our neighbor on the mountain and my children loved to visit his Mom. The whole family was loved by all. Please know my heartfelt sympathy. Mrs. Bill Kincaid

Sidney L. Woody

January 11, 2021

Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.

Henry Garrard

January 9, 2021

John was an outstanding man whom I enjoyed every time I was around him! My best to you—Henry Garrard

John Granrose

January 9, 2021

My deepest sympathy to John’s dear wife and family. I knew him through UGA and in the Episcopal Church and I wasn’t surprised to read about all his other accomplishments here. His memory will live on and he will be missed.

Sam Patrick

January 8, 2021

Wishing you peace and happiness as you cherish the many great moments with your dad...

Frances Fincher

January 7, 2021

Joan, our sincerest condolences.
Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers!
From Dr. Rosanna Masciadri And Team

Sherry Crose

January 7, 2021

On behalf of the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels, the Order offers its deepest condolences and is proud of a life well lived by Colonel Curtis. His service to others and his community is outstanding.
Sherry Crose, Executive Director
Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels

Bernstein Funeral Home

January 8, 2021

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.

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Bernstein Funeral Home and Cremation Services

3195 Atlanta Highway, Athens, GA 30606

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