Harry Lee Curtis

Lenoir, NC- Harry Lee Curtis, 92, of the Taylorsville Road, Lenoir, passed away, Friday, March 8, 2013, at his residence. He was born May 5, 1920, in Lenoir, the son of Samuel Luther Curtis and Mary Isabel “Dolly” Richards Curtis. He was preceded in death by his parents, an infant sister, Ravenel, sisters, Virginia Curtis Suddreth and Mary Curtis Brown and brother, Banks M. Curtis. Survivors include his wife, Bobbie Jaynes Triplett Curtis, a daughter, Dixie Curtis Westmoreland and a son, Roswell Richard Curtis, step-daughter, Candace Triplett, step-grandsons, Pierce and Andrew Casturao, a sister Patricia Curtis Presnell and a number of nieces and nephews. Following graduation from Lenoir High School, he attended Berea College at Berea, Kentucky. With World War II erupting he proudly served in the US Marines and went on to serve during the Korean Conflict. He received an undergraduate degree in geology at Emory University. He furthered his education at Vanderbilt University, the War College and received a Masters degree in International Affairs from American University in Washington, DC. A member of United Presbyterian Church, Curtis also maintained membership with the American Legion. He led an illustrious career span of thirty two years working at the Pentagon, teaching intelligence to commissioned and noncommissioned officers. His career in the National Photographic Interpretation Center (NPIC) was cited for high ideals, professionalism and concern for all people. His interest and fondness for gardening produced blue ribbon rewards for prized roses, luscious vegetables and fruits which he grew with pride. Other hobbies included reading, especially history, music, theatrical productions, travelling and hiking. Military rites will be conducted Thursday, March 14, 2013, at 10:00 AM at Blue Ridge Memorial Park followed by graveside interment. A memorial service will be conducted at United Presbyterian Church at 11:00 AM with the Reverend Steve Austin and Chaplain Steve Butler officiating. Receiving of friends and relatives will follow the service. In lieu of flowers the family respectfully requests memorial contributions be made to United Presbyterian Church, PO Box 1495, 415 Pennell Street, Lenoir, NC 28645 or Caldwell Hospice and Palliative Care, 902 Kirkwood St, Lenoir, NC 28645. Online condolences can be sent to the Curtis family at www.evansfuneralservice.com. Evans Funeral Service & Crematory of Lenoir are serving the Curtis family.     PDF Printable Version