Jack Curtis, 88, of Granite Falls passed away on May 12, 2025 after a period of declining health. He was proceeded in death by his wife of 66 years, Rebecca Poovey Curtis. He is survived by two sons, Rick and partner Michelle Nico of Hudson and Chris and wife Melanie of Chattanooga, TN . Five grandchildren include, Kim Moser and husband Jason of Advance, Christopher and children Max, Atticus and Aurora of Connelly Springs, Jack III and wife Sydney of Sanford, FL, Caylan Molina and husband Jordan of Apopka, FL and Lucy Curtis of Chattanooga. He had several nieces and nephews. Jack was born and raised in Rhodhiss to the late Boyd and Violet Curtis. He had five brothers, all deceased, Guthrie, Q.T., Joe, Charles and Jones and two sisters, Betty, deceased, and Sandra of Lake Worth, FL. Jack attended Granite Falls High School where he starred in basketball and baseball. Also during his high school years he played American Legion baseball for Hickory Post 48. After graduating in 1956, he signed a professional baseball contract with the Chicago Cubs. He reached the Big Leagues in 1961. He played for the Milwaukee Braves in 1962 and the Cleveland Indians for a short period in 1963. In the off-season Jack coached youth basketball and worked at Burlington Industries. After retiring from baseball in 1968, Jack spent the next several years self-employed in private business. He officiated basketball and baseball for the NCHSAA in the late 60s and early 70s and coached youth baseball as well. From 1975 until 2000 he worked for Regal Manufacturing in Hickory as a production manager. He was inducted into the Caldwell County Sports Hall of Fame. His hobbies included golf, fishing and gardening. He attended Rhodhiss First Baptist Church. Receiving will be held on Saturday, May 17, 2025 at 3:00 PM with a memorial service to follow at 4:00 PM at Rhodhiss First Baptist Church led by Rev. Rick Miller. Burial will be at Sunset Hills Cemetery in Granite Falls. Mackie Funeral Service and Cremations in Granite Falls is handling arrangements. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial gifts be sent to Cambridge House in Hildebran, NC or VIA Health Partners at donatehospice.org or Rhodhiss First Baptist Church. The family would like to say a special Thank You to the staff at Cambridge House and to the staff at VIA for their care.
Rick and family,
I’m so sorry to find out about your dad. I had no idea he had accomplished so much in his lifetime. I know there will be difficult days ahead, but I pray the good memories will bring you comfort. Please accept my condolences.
Praying for family, my mom Sandra Curtis Frye is so sad and sorry she can’t attend the service, due to health issues, our deepest condolences and prayers are for the children and family and friends, so sorry for your loss. God be with you all, I’m Sandra ‘s son Brother Frye,he was such an inspiration in my life as a kid, knowing all he accomplished in baseball.
I am Jack’s first cousin and played basketball and baseball with him in high school. He was a good man and will be greatly missed..
I remember the Curtis family…they were a very nice family
Jack was such a nice quiet man He spoke when you spoke to him I thought a lot of him and his family RIP Jack🙏
A man I will always remember fondly.
It was such a pleasure to be one of Jack’s aides at Cambridge House. Although I didn’t know him long he became a big part of my life. I will miss being able to come in and see him, work with him and be able to take care of such a sweet man. I will miss Jack and although I am grieving I am grateful he no longer has to suffer any longer. Thank you to his family for trusting us to be able to give great care to him. Jack was loved and he became family to all of us. My prayers you all do have!
Jack will be missed. Gary has many special memories at Rhodhiss Elementary and Granite Falls High. They had many years of playing baseball and basketball together. Jack was also his hitchhiking buddy. Prayers are with his family.