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.

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