Gilbert Curtis

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SMSGT Gilbert Curtis, retired United States Air Force, passed away at his home in Wilkesboro on February 2, 2025. Gilbert was born July 10, 1930, to Felts Curtis and Venie Church Curtis. He was one of 11 children. Gib served one tour in the Army beginning in 1948, and ending at Camp Drake, Tokyo Japan with First Calvary and 24th Infantry Division Beppu, Japan. 

Gilbert "Gib" married his wife of 74 years, Blanche Anderson Curtis, on May 13, 1950. He rejoined the service, this time with the United States Air Force. His first assignment, Hunter AFB, as munitions specialist, loading special weapons on B-29s/B-50s. Also worked on B-47 and was selected for a 5- member loading crew while on TDY to Kirkland AFB, Albuquerque, NM to load experimental weapons on a B-36. He continued to work in munitions throughout his career and in 1967, was assigned to U-Tapao, Thailand where he supervised the loading of conventional bombs on B-52's. He ended his career at SAC headquarters at Offutt AFB near Omaha, Nebraska where he was on the MSET team. His tours took them to Alaska, Maine, Nebraska and Arkansas. In 1971, SMSGT Curtis received a line number for promotion to CMSGT but chose to retire in July 1971. 

After retirement, not one to be idle, Gib worked part time for Tam Shoemaker at Key City Automotive in the 70's and 80's. He loved old cars and was extremely particular when rebuilding cars, 7 over a span of 40+ years. He and Blanche enjoyed camping and going to car shows for many years. In the mid 1980's he began repairing and installing real estate signs for Applefield Executive Properties and at one time he was putting up &/or taking down 4 to 5 signs a week. He worked doing signs until he was 80. 

On September 17, 1973, Gilbert was inducted into the York Rite at Masonic temple. On 8/21/2023 he was honored at a dinner at the North Wilkesboro Lodge where he was presented with a certificate and pin for 50 years of service to York Rite and also to York Rite Knights Templar. He was 93 years old. 

Mr. Curtis is preceded in death by an infant son, Johnny Curtis. He is survived by his wife of 74 years Blanche A. Curtis and his daughter, Patricia Curtis Brooks as well as brother's Buddy Curtis (Connie) and Jessee Curtis (Wanda), and sisters, Nancy C. Drenen, Barbara C. McNeill, Rhetta Sue Caudle, and Marlene Laws, and sister-in-law, Joan Curtis.  Also surviving are brothers-in-law James Anderson, Earl Anderson, Benny Beshears, and sisters-in-law, Jewel Parsons, Rose Lunsford (Allen), and Nadine Anderson.  He has many nephews, nieces and cousins from both the Curtis and Anderson families. All who knew Gib will miss him greatly. 

Funeral services will be held 2:00 PM Friday, February 7, 2025 at Reins-Sturdivant Chapel.  The family will receive friends from 12:45 PM until 1:45 PM prior to the service at Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home.   Burial with full Military Honors and Masonic Rites will be held at Fishing Creek Baptist Church Cemetery.  The family requests no food.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Fishing Creek Baptist Church, 1191 Old 60, Wilkesboro, NC 28697 or North Wilkesboro Masonic Lodge #407, 203 Temple Street, North Wilkesboro, NC 28659.

Online condolences may be made to www.reinssturdivant.com.

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