Curtis Willis

A Mass of Christian Burial for Curtis Willis, Sr. will be Friday, June 14, 2024, at 1:00 P.M. at St. Jules Catholic Church in Franklin, LA.

Visitation will be Thursday Night, June 13, 2024, from 6:00 P.M.-8:00 P.M.  Tributes, Expressions, and Reading of the Obituary at 6:00 P.M. at MK Dixon Funeral Home in Baldwin, LA.

Curtis will be interred at St. Jules Cemetery in Franklin, LA.

Curtis James Willis Sr. was born to George and Stella Smith Willis on July 2, 1928 (his mother's birthday) in Verdunville, Louisiana. He was the youngest of their four boys. The family later moved to Shadyside plantation outside Franklin while Curtis was a boy, eventually settling in Franklin proper in 1939 when the family bought a home on Willow Street. Curtis attended school there, subsequently graduating from Franklin Negro High School in 1950. Curtis was an avid basketball player in high school and was also passionate about singing. He was a member of the school choral group where he got the opportunity to use his seasoned baritone voice. Later that year he was drafted into the military, and was stationed near Baltimore, Maryland. After completing basic training, Curtis showed an aptitude for mechanical technology, and was placed in the ordinance as an ammunition specialist. He also learned carpentry and subsequently ran a spool shop. Upon returning home from the service, Curtis pursued the trade of carpentry. Over the years he became a master craftsman, specializing in various forms of woodwork. He was known for his expertise and precision in building elaborate entry doors and custom wood cabinetry. He was a valued and loyal employee at Bayou Vista Lumber and Hardware for many years until he retired. Curtis met and married the love of his life, Christine Bourgeois. Together, they shared two children, Curtis Jr., and Karen Lynn. He remained a loving and faithful husband, father and grandfather until his last days.
Curtis was a member of St. Jules Catholic Church and the Knights of Peter Claver.

Curtis is survived by his wife of nearly 64 years, Christine B Willis; one son, Curtis J Willis, Jr. (Maryann) of Franklin,LA; one daughter, Karen Willis Davis (Randy) of Lafayette, LA; three granddaughters, Lauren Davis Callihan (Everett), Jordan Davis of Lafayette, LA, and Kayla Davis of New York, NY; one great grandchild; one sister in law, Betty N. Willis; a host of many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Curtis was proceeded in death by his parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles, his brother Palfrey and wife Rita Willis, his brother Reggie Willis, his brother Spencer and wife Violet Willis, brothers in law Christopher and Wilmote Bourgeois and sister in law Joyce Bourgeois Paul.

MK Dixon Funeral Home, 337-940-9253, 211 Main Street, Baldwin, LA 70514.