John E. Curtis, age 90, of Belleair, Fl passed away April 9, 2018. Born in Hot Springs, Virginia John moved to Miami in 1942 and graduated from Miami Senior High School. He served at the close of WWII as a navy weatherman stationed in Guam and onboard the aircraft carrier USS Antietam (CV-36). Upon completion of his navy service he attended the University of Miami and then embarked on a 45 year career as a marine sales representative working throughout Florida.
John was a talented woodworker, avid sailor, golfer, prolific storyteller, and accomplished salesman. In his youth he learned to play golf in Hot Springs, also caddying sometimes for pro golfers such as Sam Snead at the Homestead Hotel. When he no longer played in his final years you could often find him walking stretches of the Belleair Course behind his home with his beloved dog, Maxine. His lifelong passion was sailing, building his first sailboat at the age of 17, and participating in his younger years in many sailboat races off the coast of Miami and the Florida Keys.
John was a wonderful and loyal son, husband, stepfather, and steadfast friend who will be dearly missed. He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 37 years, Jean Curtis who worked side by side with him in his later years in their N. Indian Rocks Road antique and collectibles store, “Jean’s Locker” where they made many friends and enjoyed their life in Belleair. He is survived by daughter, Diedre Lyne, Casselberry, Fl and granddaughters, Kasey Lyne, Orlando and Audra Peoples, Tallahassee and two great grandchildren. Many thanks also to his dear friends Norb, Dennis, Raymond, and Beverly who provided him special help these past few years.
A graveside service will be held on Sunday, April 15th at 1pm at Serenity Gardens Memorial Park, 13401 Indian Rocks Rd, Largo, Fl. Arrangements by Serenity Funeral Home, Largo.
Donations in John’s memory would be greatly appreciated to the American Humane Society (www.americanhumane.org) as a special remembrance of John’s lifelong love of all animals especially of his beloved pet dogs he cared for throughout his lifetime.
Condolences may be offered at www.serenityfuneralhomelargo.com.
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