Ken Curtis

Ken Curtis, 59, of Woodbury passed away unexpectedly on July 14, 2025, in Smithville, Tennessee. He was born in Woodbury, Tennessee on September 1, 1965. He was preceded in death by his parents, James Douglas Curtis and Helen Talma Smith Curtis.

He is survived by his son, Gage (Ishia) Curtis of Christiana and daughter, Taylor (Jeremy)Curlee of Shelbyville, twin brothers, Eddie (Yvonne) Curtis and Teddy Curtis both of Woodbury, sisters, Doris Curtis of Woodbury, Carolyn Thomas, and Talma Mosley both of Smithville, grandchildren, Sasha Curtis, Rylee Curlee, Gunner Curtis, Bailey Curtis, and Sky Curtis, as well as several nieces and nephews.

Ken grew up next to the youngest of six children. There were equal numbers of boys and girls. As with most rural kids growing up in the 60s, 70s and 80s you had to make your own fun. That often meant someone may get scuffed up, a little dirty, and maybe in some hot water with your parents. Early on he became strong willed and developed a protector type mentality. His personality could be described as an acquired character, but to know him was to love him. Ken was a gifted musician who was a self-taught guitarist. Playing both acoustic and electric. He and some friends formed a rock band and enjoyed playing together for several years. One of his favorite bands was Lynyrd Skynyrd. He graduated from Cannon County High School class of 1983.

After high school he served a stint in the Army before coming back home to settle into a work and family routine of his own. Ken was soon blessed with two children of his own. As they were growing up, he loved to have them crawl up beside him on the couch to watch their favorite selections of movies. Taylor loved to watch Billy Madison and Gage wanted to see the Rocky series or the Matrix. Somewhere along the way Ken became a huge fan of UT Vols football. He also liked to watch the Titans but mainly when they were winning. He would take Taylor and Gage out in the yard to play tag football. Somehow Taylor usually got stuck playing monkey in the middle. After football they would gather around the table for a fun round of playing poker.

Ken didn’t just focus on having fun. He had a more serious side. That side connected with his protective side and began laying out plans for preparedness. He started gathering supplies and planning for various scenarios of how to protect his family in the event of an emergency or other dire situation. He created a code to let his family know if something was going down and they got the message where to rally up to meet and what to bring.

Preparing wasn’t just for disaster. Ken took his spiritual planning seriously too. When he was younger his parents made sure to instill the importance of God and church in their children. They were members of Sycamore Baptist Church. Ken, like many of us, had struggles with staying on the straight and narrow, but his early raising echoed in his mind and steered him back on course. He was adamant about his love for Jesus. When Gage began getting involved in teaching the Bible. Ken was right there to root him on.

When Taylor and Gage began having their own families Ken would visit and bring toys for the grandchildren. They lovingly called him Poppy. He transitioned well from loving son, to brother, to father, and Poppy. Though his time on earth wasn’t as long as the family wanted. He was prepared for the next phase of God’s plan, and he’ll be waiting to welcome them into heaven with him.

Visitation will be held at Gentry-Smith Funeral Home on Saturday, July 26, 2025, from 1-3 pm. A celebration of life service will follow in the Gentry-Smith Funeral Home chapel at 3 pm. Raymond Albright will officiate. Share memories and condolences at www.gentrysmithfuneralhome.com Gentry-Smith Funeral Home, 303 Murfreesboro Rd. Woodbury, TN 37190, 615-563-5337. Because every life has a story.