Curtis Michael Ray, age 35, of Denver, Colorado passed away Thursday, February 11, 2021. He was a graduate of Smithfield High School in 2004. He enlisted into the US Army in November 2002. He proudly served in a myriad of positions with the 367th and 244th Engineer Battalions, the 98th and 319th Signal Battalions, the 652nd Regional Support Group and finally with 2 BDE, 91st Training Division. To his military family, he will be remembered for his humor, strong work ethic, and unyielding commitment to his fellow soldiers. His patriotism and dedication will never be forgotten. Sergeant First Class Ray was posthumously awarded the Meritorious Service Metal (MSM) for his exceptional service to our nation. Curtis’ awards include the Meritorious Service Medal (posthumously), Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal (2OLC), and Army Achievement Medal (2OLC). He was also an employee at Comcast for 8 years in various roles.
Curtis had a contagious smile that lit up the room. He will be remembered as a devoted father, husband, son, brother, uncle, and friend. He left an adventurous footprint everywhere he touched, and his memory will forever be engraved in our hearts. He never met a stranger. Curtis is survived by his loving wife, Flor Deniz Ray. He helped raise his five children, Alejandro, Alan, Jullien, Camilla and Sebastian with love, patience, and humility. He taught them the importance of education and family. As a family, they enjoyed hiking, traveling, attending live sporting events, and taking pictures. Curtis is sorely missed by his mother, Monica (Joe); father, Curtis (Lynn); siblings, Toni (Eric), Curt, Jr., and Tiffany, and special niece, Taylor (Darrin), along with countless other close friends and relatives. Curtis believed that family is not defined by last names or by blood; it is defined as commitment and life. He believed in showing up and having each other’s backs. He believed that family was defined by love not blood. Curtis left a legacy through his wife, children, family, and friends with how he lived and loved. He left a selfless legacy as an organ donor. His donation provided at least six people with hope amid our terrible loss…a gift of a better life. Curtis will be remembered for the life he gave as well as the life he lived!
Funeral services will be held at Swan-Law Funeral Directors, 501 North Cascade Ave. Colorado Spring, CO 80925. He will rest peacefully at Pikes Peak National Cemetery, 10545 Drennan Road, Colorado Spring, CO 80925.
The family would like to express our thanks for the gracious help and care given by St. Vincent’s Hospital in Indianapolis, Indiana; U.S. Army, Comcast, and Shield Kennel.
“A funeral is not a day in a lifetime, it’s a lifetime in a day.”
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18