Obituaries

Bill A. Curtis

Photo of Bill  A. Curtis
It is with deepest sympathy that we announce the passing of a beloved husband, father, uncle, American Hero, 2 time war veteran and friend to many. Major (retired) USAF Billy "Bill" Curtis passed away on October 9th at his home in Hot Springs Village, Arkansas at the age of 86 with family by his side. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 60 years and best friend, Betty, 6 siblings, Orvist Curtis, Homer Curtis, Vivian Jones, Polly Whitby, Alene Moss and Charles Vernon "Dick" Curtis and his parents, Sam and Ella Cross Curtis. Bill is survived by his two children, Craig and Tamora Curtis, brother, Jimmy Curtis and a host of nieces, nephews and other family. A Celebration of Life and a Military tribute will be October 26th at the Village Church of Christ. Visitation at 10 a.m. with memorial to follow at 11. Bill was a veteran of the Korean War where he honed his gunnery skills aboard a B-26 Bomber flying combat missions. He earned the coveted title of Master of Air Defense and was an instructor teaching the top air crews in the USAF. He became an RO flying in reconnaissance aircraft, two of which were the RE-101 (Voodoo) and RF-4 (Phantom) in the Vietnam War, where he earned several medals, including two Distinguished Flying Crosses, several Bronze and Silver Air Medals, Combat Medals and Service Defense Medals. After completing his tour of duty in Vietnam, he was chosen to be a part of the "elite" group of airman involved in a test program (in conjunction with NASA) of the renowned Blackbird/SR-71. After his assignment, Bill retired from the Air Force and moved his family to Beebe, Ark., to be close to his family that was scattered throughout central Arkansas and close to his hometown roots of Paron. He went on to graduate from the University of Central Arkansas with a Math Degree, where he earned an accumulative GPA of 4.0. He then started his 2nd career of teaching High School Algebra and Geometry until 1992. Bill and his wife, Betty retired and settled in Hot Springs Village. On line guestbook at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com.

Published October 20, 2019

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