Curby Gene Poplin

Curby Gene Poplin

Age 90

September 17, 1935 – November 18, 2025

Curby Gene Poplin, 90, of Wesley Chapel, NC, passed away peacefully on November 18, 2025. Born on September 17, 1935, in Concord, NC, he was the son of the late Robert Mellon Poplin and Mildred Harwell Poplin.

Curby grew up working on the family farm alongside his many brothers and sisters, learning early the values of dedication, hard work, and service to others. As a young man, he drove the school bus for W.R. Odell High School, a responsibility he carried with pride.

He married his first wife, Barbara Earley Poplin, and together they shared 47 wonderful years before her passing from ovarian cancer. Curby later found love again with his wife Judy Poplin, with whom he enjoyed many joyful years of companionship, dancing, and community.

A gifted tradesman and teacher, Curby owned and operated All City Heat and Air for 37 years and several rental properties. He also served as an HVAC instructor at South Piedmont Community College, where he earned the distinguished honor of Teacher of the Year. His knowledge, patience, and kindness left a lasting legacy among countless students and apprentices.

Curby loved to square dance and line dance with Judy and was an avid domino and card player, cherishing friendships formed at both the Monroe Senior Center and the Indian Trail Community Center. Even into his later years, he continued tending his garden and sharing its bounty generously with others, a true reflection of his giving spirit.

A devoted spouse, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Curby will be remembered as a strong Christian man whose warmth and quiet strength uplifted everyone he met. He was a faithful member of First Baptist Church of Indian Trail, where he worshiped, served, and built lifelong friendships.

He is survived by his beloved wife Judy Poplin; his children David (Leigh), Melody (Eric), and Donna (Alan); his stepson Steven O'Neill; preceded in death by stepson Bret Vanbuskirk.

He leaves behind seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren Adam, Addison, Jessica, Chris (Eleanor), Jennifer, Callie, Jamie (Michael, Owyn, Elias, and Titus), all of whom brought him immense joy.

Curby is also survived by his sisters Inez, Brenda, and Bonnie Sue; preceded in death by his brothers Richard, Lloyd, Dempsey, Branson, J.Hue, Dillard, Paul, J.E, Don, and his sister Juanita.

A celebration of Curby's life will be held at Heritage Funeral Home – Indian Trail Chapel where friends and family will gather to honor a man whose kindness, faith, and generosity touched so many.