Ronald Taussig Curtis

Ronald Curtis, a long-time resident of Williamsburg, VA, passed away peacefully on September 28, 2025, with his wife and two children by his side. He was a dedicated father, proud grandfather, and loving husband to his wife Joanne, with whom he shared 56 wonderful years.

Ronald was born on December 28, 1944, in Pleasant Garden, NC, to Roy and Ethel Curtis (both deceased). He grew up in a close-knit rural community alongside his brother, Douglas Curtis (deceased), and sister, Sandra Davenport. On the extended family’s tobacco and vegetable farm, he learned the values of hard work, gratitude, and practical skills that shaped his life. Ronald often shared stories of training his horse and driving the school bus at age 16. He graduated from Southeast High School in Greensboro, NC, where he played football and was voted “Most Courteous”.

After earning a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from North Carolina State University in 1967, Ronald began his career at Newport News Shipbuilding and Drydock Company. During his nine-year tenure, he oversaw the refueling of a nuclear reactor on the USS Enterprise aircraft carrier and led the electrical design for the cutting-edge Seawolf-class fast-attack submarines.

Following his time in shipbuilding, Ronald found his true passion in custom home construction. For the next 50 years, he became one of Williamsburg’s most respected custom home builders, constructing more than 800 homes in many of the area’s most prominent neighborhoods, including Kingsmill, Governor’s Land, Stonehouse, Ford’s Colony, Port Anne, Queen’s Lake, Greensprings, Vineyards, and Holly Hills. He developed Counselors Close and partnered with several other builders in planning and developing Settler’s Mill, Piney Creek, and Longhill Woods.

His homes were admired for their timeless style and exceptional quality. More than just building houses, Ronald built relationships—many of his clients became lifelong friends. He was also an active member of the Peninsula Home Builders’ Association and served on the James City County Board of Building Adjustments and Appeals.

Ronald will be remembered for his calm presence, warm smile, and natural ease with children. He cherished time outdoors—skiing, hunting, bass and fly fishing, golfing, and roller coasters—and was grateful to continue enjoying all these activities this past year. He also never missed a chance to cheer for NC State football, faithfully attending games and rooting for the Wolfpack.

Above all, Ronald valued family. He is deeply loved and will be forever missed by his devoted wife, Joanne; his children and their spouses, Brian Curtis (Kristine) and Wendy Baker (Brad); and his three cherished grandchildren, Mason Baker, Jacob Baker, and Sophie Curtis. He also leaves behind many close friends whose lives were enriched by his kindness.

A funeral service to celebrate his life will be held at 3:00 PM on Friday, October 10, 2025 in the sanctuary at Williamsburg Presbyterian Church, with a reception immediately following in Stevenson Hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to NC State University-College of Engineering Leadership Fund, in memory of Ronald T. Curtis: https://go.ncsu.edu/curtis or to FISH: https://fishwilliamsburg.org.