Curtis Smith Jr

Obituary: Dr. Curtis A. Smith, Jr. was born in Hot Springs, Arkansas on January 28, 1934, to Curtis A. Smith, Sr and Claudine Collins. Curtis was also very close to John Carter, who helped raise him. He graduated from Langston High School in 1952, where he was president of the Junior and Senior classes. His humble beginnings kept him grounded yet determined. As a diligent learner, Curtis graduated from four colleges. The first degree was an associate degree from Kansas Technical Institute. He received his bachelor's degree from Chicago Teacher's College, a master's degree from Roosevelt University, and his doctorate from Nova Southeastern University. Curtis was born to educate. After spending four years as a proud member in the United States Air Force, he started his career in education in the classrooms at Parker High School Branch and Lawless Upper Grade Center in Chicago. He was promoted to Model Cities Staff Assistant in 1970 to start his next career chapter within the administrative sector. Later, he became district administrator in the Chicago Public Schools (CPS) District 13, before joining the central office staff as assistant to the deputy superintendent. He remained in the Central Office of CPS in various administrative positions until his retirement in 1991. After his primary career at CPS, Curtis continued his pursuit in academia as a coordinator and college instructor at Roosevelt University, Concordia University, and Nova Southeastern University. While at Concordia University, he became the highest ranking African American at Concordia as Associate Dean of Graduate Studies, a position he held until his retirement at Concordia in 2001. Curtis had a passion for aviation, obtaining many pilot certificates and Commercial flying ratings in single-engine jet, multiengine jet, and helicopter aircraft. He also had several insurance licenses. In his early teens, he was the youngest American Red Cross water safety instructor in the state of Arkansas. In Curtis' spare time, he authored three books: Slang, Soul, and Soup – Language of the Young Soul Brothers, Help for the Bereaved, and Loved Ones Remembered. Faith was an integral part of Curtis' life and anchored his values. He was a member of several churches: Visitor's Chapel in Hot Springs, AR, where he sang in the choir; Second Baptist Church in Topeka, KS; Christ Universal Temple in Chicago; and Mt. Zion Temple in Lansing, IL. He was preceded in death by two wives, Willa Steger Smith and Barbara Joan Smith, brother James Washington, sister Forneida Holiday, mother Claudine Collins, father Curtis Smith Sr., stepdaughter Carmen Leon, and many cousins. He leaves to mourn, his wife Dolores, children Pamela Wall (Darryl), Curtis Smith III (Lisa), and Ayesha Washington (Earl); grandchildren Tasha, Taylor, Trevor, Selena, Tiana; and stepson Juan R. Leon (Laurana), and a host of students, friends, colleagues, and neighbors. His life touched many others, and he was truly beloved by family and friends. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Curtis, please visit our floral store.