Curtis Haggins

On a hot summer 4th of July in 1953 a baby named Curtis was born to John Henry Haggins and Dorthy Wilson in Haynes, Arkansas. As Curtis knew it he would always jokingly say “mama didn’t eat any bar b q on the 4th that day”. Being a young single mom Dorthy passed on the blessing of watching Curtis blossom into a man to her grandparents.

In his younger years Curtis attended Anna Strong Elementary & Middle Schools and as a teen graduated from the Job Corp of Little Rock, Arkansas earning a certification in Heavy Machinery. To some he was known as “Pops”, or “Smiley”. But everyone knew him to be “Arkansas Stepper”.

In 1982 Curtis met his queen, the love of his life, Frances Ford, in Detroit, MI. In 1984 he and Frances became one on the 28th of July. To this union 2 beautiful princesses were born Helena Michelle and Krysta Joi. Years later Curtis & Frances were blessed with a bonus princess named Tyra Louise who blessed the couple with four grandsons Tyree, Tyrell, Lamarion, and Maliq.

Due to health reasons, Curtis had an early retirement from Chrysler. With his time he decided to become a stay at home father. With his spare time, Curtis became a Prince Hall 33rd degree Mason. He also enjoyed taking his family on road trips while listening to Down Home blues all the way to his favorite Gospel artist Lee Williams and the Spiritual QC’s, playing card games such as spades & bid whist, telling jokes about his childhood memories, and cooking delicious meals. One of his grandest meals was the one he prepared along side with his wife for his eldest daughter's wedding reception. If you were blessed with his southern specialty, you knew periodically you were in line to purchase his homemade hog head cheese. Above all, Curtis favorite pass time was reading his Bible & having Bible study with his family. This comes from knowing Christ and being baptized at an early age. He always made sure before his babies or anyone opened their gifts on Christmas to acknowledge whole heartedly that “Jesus is the reason for the season”. He would also often read or recite Psalms 23 with his girls before the decline of his health.

On May 8th 2024 at 4:47 pm while being surrounded with the love of his family, Curtis took flight to be with whom he loved the most, his Heavenly Father Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He leaves to cherish his memory his soul mate of 42 years Frances; his girls Helena (Russell), Krysta, Tyra, & niece E’lyse; his 4 boys who know him as G-pa, Tyree, Tyrell. Lamarion, & Maliq; one son David, who proceeded him in death, sisters-in-law Marlene, Jenise (Brian) & Jaqueline, a brother-in-law John Jr., a host of family, friends, and all that knew him.

His sisters, brothers, & parents all preceded him in death.

Family Remarks

Curtis, I love you to infinity and beyond!! “Ditto” ~ your soulmate “baby girl Frances

Daddy, as a child learning to ride a bike you told us you would not let us go until its time. As a teen driver you told us you would not leave our side until it was time. As adults moving on our own you told us you would always be here for us no limit of time. As your health declined we held your hand and told you we would never let go until its time. When you would stumble we would stand by your sides until you were stable on your time. When you took your last breath we held your hand and promised to never let go no limit of time. Its amazing how life goes full circle. We are thankful and blessed that we were able to be there for you in a time. We love you daddy!! We will see you again when its time.

~ Your little girls Helena & Krysta

To my G-Pa in heaven: I hide my tears when I say your name but the pain in my heart is still the same. Although I smile there is no one who misses you more than me. Tyree, Tyrell, Lamarion and Maliq

Pops, you taught me about enforcing people to give respect. You were a soldier with a strong will to not quit. I learned a lot of lessons from you. With everything we had in common one thing we both always agreed on is the love for my wife, his daughter Helena. You & Mama Haggins both introduced me to gospel music. You always told me a man's word is all he has in this world and to keep it. It shows that you are a true man. Stay humble. Remember God is in control. I will keep my promise of respecting your eldest and making her a superstar. You never called me your son-in-law. Just always your son. Until we meet again…..~Russell

Howdy Curtis, you have come to your final resting place on the wagon Trail. Thanks for the good meals you have cooked on our journeys. We appreciate all the rides you have taking us do our destinations. We could always count on you being there for us. You always put your family first. Love you, Lena

Dear Uncle Blah blah blah,

I just wanted to say thank you for all you done for me while growing up. I’ve always looked at you as another father, just as much as you called me a daughter of yours. You took good care of us. I’m going to miss you, but I know you will forever live in my heart. I love you! I’m glad you’re living with the angels now. Just remember to always watch over us, Love E’lyse