Curtis Harrington

The Rev. Curtis Dean Harrington, a beloved father, grandfather and the pastor of Buford Grove Baptist Church for 28 years, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, June 8, 2024. He passed away peacefully at his home in Hilliard, Florida, surrounded by family. Curtis was born January 3, 1947, to Irvele and Esther Harrington in Holland, Michigan. After graduating from Holland High School, he began what would become a 58-year career in the ministry. While attending a wedding in Bessemer City, North Carolina, he met Marjorie Gail Harrington, the sister of the bride. Curtis and Gail married in 1970 and began a journey together that would lead them to churches across four states. Over three decades, Curtis served as a music minister at Calvary Baptist Church in Holland, West Lenoir Baptist Church in Lenoir, North Carolina, Calvary Baptist Church in Connersville, Indiana, and Normandy Baptist Temple in Jacksonville. During a second stint in Lenoir, Curtis earned a Bachelor of Divinity at the West Lenoir Baptist School of Ministry before joining Buford Grove as senior pastor in 1995.

When he wasn’t at the pulpit, ministering to members of his congregation or doting on his grandkids, Curtis was a fisherman, a golfer and an avid fan of the New York Yankees and Michigan Wolverines. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his loving wife, Gail, and his brother, Mark Harrington. He is survived by his children; Shannon (Deborah) Harrington, Dawn (Doug) Colley and Todd (Adrienne) Harrington; 12 grandchildren: Daniel, Rosa Maria, Martha Isabel, Abigail, Jude, Isaac, Amber, Ethan, Brayden, Cadence, Alexus and Kellen; and siblings: Tom (Linda) Harrington, Ruth Ann Smith, sister-in-law: Cathy Harrington and Joel (Barb) Harrington.

Visitation will be held Thursday, June 13 from 6-8 p.m., followed by a funeral service on Friday, June 14, at 3 p.m. at Buford Grove Baptist Church, 553274 U.S. Highway 1, Hilliard, Florida.