Curtis was a graduate of Rhodes College in Memphis, Tennessee, and earned his master’s degree in theology from Emory University’s Candler School of Theology. At Lovett, he coordinated chapel services for the Lower, Middle, and Upper Schools and taught religion classes in the Upper School.

His warm, friendly manner put students at ease in the classroom. That same warmth made him a natural spiritual advisor. Students knew his door was always open and that anything they shared with him would be kept in the strictest confidence.

Curtis led chapel with the whole student body in mind. Not every student was Episcopalian, and he often brought elements of other faith traditions into services. His religion classes carried the same openness, with room to discuss the beliefs of many different churches.

He also had a wonderful sense of humor. Every year he played Marryin’ Sam, the cheerful preacher from the Li’l Abner comic strip, at the annual Sadie Hawkins Dance.

Curtis left Lovett after the 1979 school year to serve at both Grace Episcopal Church and St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church. Leaving campus did not mean leaving his students behind. For years afterward, he officiated at former students’ weddings, baptized their children, and in some cases spoke at their funerals.

He retired from Grace Episcopal Church in 1994. In retirement, he took up watercolor painting and served as an artist-in-residence at the Episcopal Divinity School.

Curtis died in 2021 of complications from COVID-19. For the generation of students who knew him in chapel, in class, and through that open office door, he remains Lovett’s good shepherd.

By Lloyd Brown ’75