It is with great sorrow that the family of Dr. Harold Curtis announces his sudden and unexpected passing on Tuesday, February 25, 2014. Dr. Harold Dean Curtis, or "Brother Harold," as he preferred to be called, was born on January 13, 1948. He was a loving husband, father, and pastor. Those who knew him best marveled at the tireless manner in which he worked to further the cause of Christ and to provide for his family. An alumnus of the Etowah High School Class of 1966, Curtis enlisted in the United States Air Force shortly after graduation. He subsequently went to work for the L&N railroad, where he was employed as a brakeman from 1970 until his promotion to engineer in 1972. After accepting God's call to Christian ministry in 1973, Curtis felt led to prepare himself by furthering his education. In 1978, he completed a Bachelor of Arts degree from Carson Newman College, where he majored in history and religion. He would go on to obtain the Master of Divinity (1981) and Doctor of Ministry (1987) degrees from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, located in Fort Worth, Texas. Curtis's ministry spanned over 40 years, and he touched countless people with his life. His philosophy of ministry may be best described as the tangible response to Christ's call to service in Matthew 25:40, "Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me." In addition to his ministerial vocation, Curtis - like his Master - was a carpenter. He was happiest when laboring with his hands, and at the time of his passing, he was working on a home for his lovely wife. His beloved spouse and children fondly recall the way he would while away the hours working on his backhoe, a smile upon his face. To say he was adored would fall short of communicating the full measure of their affection. He will be sorely missed. Reminded that Dr. Curtis has now been embraced in the arms of his Savior, his family, though sorrowful, does not grieve as those who have no hope. Instead, they invite friends and family to rejoice in his heavenly promotion and celebrate his life at the Warehouse Church of Etowah, Tennessee. Friends are welcome to express their condolences to the family between 3 and 6 p.m. on Saturday, March 1, 2014. The funeral service for Dr. Curtis will begin immediately afterward, with David Murrell and Scott Curtis officiating. Those wishing to express their sympathy who are unable to attend the funeral service may sign the online guest registry at www.bordwinefuneralhome.com. A committal service will be held in Greenhill Cemetery at 2 p.m. on Sunday, March 2. Harold is survived by his beautiful bride of over 42 years, Irene Burris Curtis; daughter, Heather Curtis; daughter, Mandy Curtis Winebrinner and her husband, Michael Winebrinner; son, Wesley Curtis and his wife Sharon Lee; brothers, Bill Curtis, Charles Curtis, Scott Curtis, and Jerry Curtis; sister, Mary Newman; sister-in-law, Patrenia Casteel, and several cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, William (Bill) Curtis; mother, Odetta Stone Curtis; sisters, Eva Blevins and Carrie Lee Presley; brother-in-law, Johnny Newman; and niece Vicki Curtis. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Warehouse Church of Etowah, Tennessee, located at 1120 Tennessee Ave., 37331.