Joseph Edward Curtis

Joseph Edward Curtis, born on October 11, 1928, in Hazelwood, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on December 7, 2024, at Haywood Regional Medical Center. He was 96 years old.

Joseph dedicated 22 years of his life to maintenance work for the Blue Ridge Parkway, a job that allowed him to appreciate the beauty of the mountains he cherished so dearly. His love for the outdoors was complemented by his simple lifestyle, evident in his passion for walking through his neighborhood, maintaining his beloved 1984 Ford F-150 truck, and indulging in the pleasure of picking blueberries along the parkway.

A proud veteran, Joseph served honorably in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict. Throughout his life, he demonstrated gentleness and a caring nature both in his professional life and personal pursuits. He valued family above all, and nothing brought him more joy than visiting relatives and sharing moments spent together. Joseph was also an active member of the Johnathan Valley Baptist Church, where he found community and fellowship.

Joseph was preceded in death by his father, Jesse "Jess" Curtis, his mother, Jessie McCracken Curtis, and his wife, Jane Curtis who passed in 2019, and his siblings: four sisters; Juanita Susie Curtis, Helen Curtis, Mabel Curtis, and Barbara Jean Curtis and three brother; Frank Curtis, William Ray Curtis, and Bruce Vaughn Curtis, and one infant brother.

He leaves behind two sisters-in-law, Hattie Garland and Bobbie Parker, and a legacy of love through several nieces and nephews.

Friends and family are invited to pay their respects during the visitation scheduled for Friday, December 13, 2024, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Wells Funeral Home in Waynesville, followed by a funeral service at the Waynesville Chapel of Wells Funeral Home at 11:00 AM. Joseph will be laid to rest following the services at Garrett-Hillcrest Memorial Park.

Serving as pallbearers are Larry Garland, Daniel Wood, Skipper Curtis, Jimmy Garland, Doug Smathers, and Steve Painter. Honorary pallbearers are Harold Cutshaw and Asa Cagle. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Jonathan Valley Baptist Church, 3817 Jonathan Creek Road, Waynesville, NC 28785 or 4 Seasons Hospice, 571 South Allen Road, Flat Roa

Joseph Edward Curtis leaves behind a rich tapestry of memories, woven through a life well-lived, marked by simplicity, love of family, and service to his community. His spirit will continue to resonate in the hearts of all who knew him.

The family would like to give a special thanks to the staff at Haywood Lodge for the care given to Mr. Curtis.

The care of Mr. Curtis has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Home of Waynesville