Service Details
A celebration of Bill’s life will be held on Friday, January 24, 2020, 11:00am, at Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home and Crematory, 4600 County Line Road, Racine, WI 53403. Visitation will be from 10:00am until the time of the service. Burial will follow at West Lawn Memorial Park.
Memorial Suggestions
The family has suggested memorials to the Wisconsin Humane Society – Racine Campus.
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Miller's Flowers
William Childs Curtis, 72, affectionately known to all as “Bill”, passed away at home on Wednesday, January 15, 2020. He was born on July 9, 1947, in Boston, MA. He was the youngest of three children born to William Childs Curtis, Sr. and Ruth Augusta Perry Curtis.
William graduated from Lexington High School in Lexington, MA, in 1965. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism from the University of Massachusetts in 1978. Early in his career, Bill was awarded a financial grant from the Ecumenical Social Action Committee in Boston, MA, to conceive and manage a photography program for 10 to 15-year-old children. Subsequently, Bill worked for the Boston Globe as a news photographer from 1972 – 1982. There, he received an award from the Boston Press Photographer’s Association for “Best Action Photo” in 1981. Bill retired from Comcast Cable in New Jersey in October 2008 after 10 years as an advertising account executive.
Bill married Machelle Yvonne McKinley on August 23, 1980, in Racine, WI. Together they travelled to most of the 50 United States. He and Machelle climbed the Mayan Pyramids in Mexico, attended the opera at Lincoln Center in New York, took cruises in the Caribbean, and attended the theater and visited Windsor Castle in London, England. Travel was one of the many ways that Bill satisfied his adventurous spirit.
Bill was drawn to the world of aviation at an early age. Bill received his private pilot’s license in 1974 and went on to receive an instrument rating in 1980. At one time the co-owner of a Cessna 172, Bill flew single engine planes in Massachusetts, Wisconsin, Colorado, and New Jersey. Bill was a member of the Aircraft Owners & Pilots Association and the Experimental Aircraft Association.
Sailing became his second most beloved hobby. Growing up, Bill and his family sailed out of Marblehead, MA, on their sailboat named “Let’s Go”. Bill continued his love for sailing and honed his skills as a member of several sailboat racing teams. He and Machelle bought their own sailboat, a 34-foot Hunter named “Wind Chaser”. Upon retirement, they sailed out of Raritan Yacht Club in New Jersey and took many sailing trips on the Long Island Sound in New York State. Locally, he sailed on a boat named “Endurance” out of the Racine Yacht Club.
In addition to his other memberships and interests, Bill is a proud member of the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity.
Bill is survived by his wife Machelle Yvonne McKinley Curtis, a supportive companion of over 39 years; sisters, Ruth Constance Curtis, Susan Julia Curtis; niece, Julia Ruth Curtis-Burns; mother-in-law, Alma McKinley; brother-in-law, Wilbert (Ruthanne) McKinley; sisters-in-law, Teresa Cole, Janita (Bryan) Finley, and Adrienne (Steven) Boykin; other relatives and dear friends too numerous to mention.
A celebration of Bill’s life will be held on Friday, January 24, 2020, 11:00am, at Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home and Crematory, 4600 County Line Road, Racine, WI 53403. Visitation will be from 10:00am until the time of the service. Burial will follow at West Lawn Memorial Park. The family has suggested memorials to the Wisconsin Humane Society – Racine Campus.
Lori Rocker says
I knew Bill through sailing in New Jersey with my boyfriend, Louis. Bill provides many beautiful days on his boat where I was lucky enough to hear stories about his life and experiences. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to know him, to have had my most memorable 4th of July watching fireworks from his sailboat, and to have been fortunate to know such a kind and gentle soul. He will be deeply missed. My condolences to the family. I am so very sorry for your loss.
Michael Lusty says
Eight bells for Bill Curtis, what a loss.
Hightower, as he was known to his sailing friends in New Jersey, was a central feature at the Raritan Yacht Club, well liked by its members. He loved the waters there and knew them well. We mourn his final trip over the horizon. An ardent racer who also loved to cruise his boat Windchaser. I have so many memories of years of racing together with Bill and a tight knit crew sailing with Captain Marc Dupre on Tango. What great times with Bill trimming the mainsail or acting as our navigator. His strength and knowledge pulled us through many a tricky situation or gave us the win in a race with a good tactical call.
Farewell Bill, we will miss you.
Emmitt McKinley says
My condolences to the family.
Trina Townsend says
RIH Mr. Curtis
Bobbie Wilson says
I am so sorry for your loss
Michael and Patricia Litewski says
It was a pleasure to know Bill. He walked into our open art night at “Left of the Lake” gallery and became one of the gang. He always had a story to tell and was encyclopedia of knowledge. He truly was a gift to our world. Safe travel my friend.
With love and sharpened pencils.
Michael and Patricia Litewski
Debbie and James Leo says
We will miss you Bill, but you will not be forgotten. All the time you spent sailing and flying with James (and sometimes our children) was wonderful. You gave our children their first airplane ride! Thank you for that and for all your kindnesses along the way. We had good laughs and good times with you and Machelle that we will always treasure. Our deepest condolences to you, Machelle, and our continued prayers for you both.
Sullivan Johnson lll says
My world is sadder after hearing if Bill’s passing. As a co-worker, fraternity brother and friend we enjoyed many conversations and Bill was never at a loss for a good story. Huge not only in stature, but in character and kIndness as well. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family.
Prayerfully,
Sullivan Johnson lll
Sullivan Johnson says
One of the best story tellers I’ve ever know. Going to miss you my brother. Rest in peace…
Phi Nu
Sullivan C. Johnson III
Delores Moore (Deemoor101@gmail.co. says
Sending Condolences from a distant cousin. My mother Catherine Moore was the daughter of MARY JAMES SHAW, sister to SUSAN JAMES PERRY.
Sorrowfully
Delores Moore
Tarpon Springs, Florida
H. L. James, DDS says
Our condolences to the Curtis Family on the loss of one of our own.
The James Family of North Carolina
Rodney Brown says
I was saddened to learn of the passing of Bill Curtis. Bill was a kind, compassionate and jovial gentleman always willing to take on a challenge. My condolences to his wife Machelle and family. – Rodney Brown, New Jersey
Ricardo Mattier says
Just look at a picture he took of a building in Roxbury seen his name and look him up I was one of the kids he took for my first flying lesson hanscom Field I was from the projects in Roxbury he taught me how to develop film take good pictures a camp counselor at breezy Meadows drove a older Saab. I think it had a dent on the roof, where it rolled over good memories I appreciate and cherish the time that I spent electronic music he played my Mother loved that man he gave everyone something to think about after class yes very tall 6’10 beautiful smile may he rest in eternal peace ☮️