Obituary of Hershel Curtis

Funeral services for Mr. Hershel D. Curtis of Tracy City will be 2:00 P.M. Monday in the funeral home chapel with Brother Grady Ward Partin and Brother Barry Nolan officiating. He will be buried in Oak Grove Cemetery. The Sequatchie Valley Veterans Honor Guard will perform full military honors in recognition of his military service. On line condolences may be made at: www.fosterlayfuneralhome.net. Mr. Curtis's earthly journey ended Friday evening, November 18, 2016, at The Waters of Winchester. He was born in Tracy City, a son of the late Dee and Mattie Curtis and was preceded in death by his son, Robert; infant daughter, Mary Frances; sister, Mary Rose Gilliam; brothers, Mitchell, Ben, Dan and Jerry Curtis. He was invited by Uncle Sam to join the U.S. Army during WWII where he served in the Northern France and Rhineland Central Europe Campaigns, he was awarded the EAME Theater Ribbon w/3 bronze stars, a Purple Heart from wounds received in Germany, Victory Medal World War II. After being discharged from the Army, Hershel worked at several jobs in his career but most agree that working at his sawmill was his favorite. He remained very patriotic all of his life, he was a lifetime member of the American Legion where he served in many roles including Adjutant General. He was one of the original organizers of placing U.S. Flags along the streets during the holidays. His favorite past time was square dancing which he enjoyed until his recent decline and he spent time traveling the west, camping and enjoying the United States and the freedom he helped to defend for all to have. Cpl. Hershel D. Curtis truly was a member of our countries "Greatest Generation", his sacrifice and service to our country will forever be remembered by his family, comrades, and friends. Over 121 descendants are surviving Hershel, including a daughter, Jean Kilgore of Monteagle; sons, George Curtis of Tracy City and Ronnie (Mary) Curtis of Bell Buckle; brother, Alton Henry "Baldy" Curtis of Tracy City; sister, Maggie Nolan of Tracy City. Foster & Lay Funeral Home of Tracy City is honored to serve the family of Mr. Hershel D. Curtis.