William “Bill” Curtis, 78, went to be with his Lord and Savior on January 30, 2016 at North Mississippi Medical Center Hospice after an extended illness. He was born in New Albany to William Noah Curtis and Glade Greer Curtis on July 29, 1937. He attended schools throughout Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi. He graduated from Shannon High School in 1955. He was a long time and active member at Shannon First Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon. He also served on the finance committee at Shannon FBC, where he was able to accomplish many of his goals for the church. He also served on many other committees throughout the years.
He served his country in the Navy, and later met, Irma Lynn Gann, of Nettleton while on leave. They married each other on April 6, 1958, and he returned to finish out his term. He and his family moved to Victoria, Texas in 1960, and went to work for Mrs. Bairds Bakeries as a sales supervisor. In 1970, they moved back to Mississippi, where he made Shannon his home. He worked for Hancock Fabrics for twenty-five years, and traveled the country to set up retail stores. Later, he became the Notions Buyer until his retirement in 1994. Soon after, he worked for Bomar Industries as the Vice President of Retail Sales for one year. In 1995, he worked for Metro Ford as a car salesman until 1999, and that same year started work for J.C. Penny in the Jewelry Department until 2002.
He was elected Alderman in Shannon, where served two-terms, and eventually was elected Mayor for three-terms. He also was the Municipal Judge for seven years. During his administration, Shannon doubled in size with the annexation of the east side of town. He worked very diligently with members of the State Legislature, and received grants for projects throughout his tenure as Mayor. He was able to accomplish many goals that he had set out for the town. He built a new city park, wastewater lagoon, new water tank and well that many households benefited from. He also had four community storm shelters built throughout the town with grants received from FEMA. Bill was also known for his love to see Shannon and Northeast Mississippi expand and develop for all its citizens. He worked effortlessly for many years on many boards, including but not limited to, the Council of Governments as Chairman and the Mississippi Municipal Association. He was also the charter member for the Shannon Lions Club, where he served as President for four terms, and provided glasses for many people throughout the years through his commitment to the Lions Club. He had a love for people, and a very generous heart. If he knew of people that were in need, he exhausted all efforts until that need was met. He had an exceptional memory with dates and remembering birthdays. Bill also loved to cook, garden, and enjoyed spending time with the guys at Grigg’s Grocery in Shannon. He had a deep love for God, his church, and family.
Services will be 2 PM Monday at Shannon First Baptist Church with Bro. John Davis and Bro. Mark Cayson officiating. Burial will be in Shannon Cemetery. Lee Memorial Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements.
He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Irma Gann Curtis; brother, Leeland Allred; daughter, Donna Baggett (Mike) and Son, Billy Curtis; six grandchildren, Neil Baggett (Tarran), Zach Baggett, Josh Curtis, Lindsey Davis (Lamar), Brittany Ward (Justin), and Ashley Chaney (Colby); and eight great-grandchildren, Hunter, Abbie, Gabbi, Parker, Levi, Tucker, Analyn, Emma, and Ridgelynn. He was preceded in death by his parents; his siblings, Bobby Spencer, Dolly May Cochrum, and Ione Gammon.
Pallbearers will include Jimmy Rutherford, James Oswalt, Randy Wilburn, Ricky Mask, Danny Joe Peters, and David Homan. Honorary Pallbearers are the Shannon FBC Adult Men’s Sunday School Class.
Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Visitation will be 3 – 6 Sunday at the funeral home and 1 – 2 Monday at the church.
