William “Bill” R. Curtis Jr. passed away Nov. 4, 2016, at home in Vicksburg after a brave battle against cancer. He was 50 years old. 

Bill was born on Aug. 17, 1966, in Pembroke, Massachusetts to beloved parents, William “Bill” R. Curtis Sr. and Janet (Powers) Curtis.

He graduated from Texas A&M University in 1992, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in marine science and master’s degree in oceanography. He began his career in June 1992 with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Engineer Research and Development Center, Coastal and Hydraulics Laboratory. In 2011, he became the technical director for Flood & Coastal Systems. 

Bill was a natural leader, and unique in his ability to bring warmth and humility to the most challenging problems and situations. He will long be remembered for his love and dedication to family, faith in God, kindness to others, and witty sense of humor. He has served as an outstanding role model for his children, Olivia Marie, William “Tripp,” and Benjamin (Porter), instilling in them the principles and values that he lived by every day.

In addition to his children and parents, he is survived by wife, Elizabeth “Liz” (Jones); sister, Allison Paradis (Tim); and brother, Matthew Curtis (Maija).

Honorary pallbearers will be Matthew Curtis, Jeff Lillycrop, Jeff Waters, Easy Biedenharn, Cary Talbot and Milton Jones.

Visitation will be Monday, Nov. 14, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Crossway Church in Vicksburg. On Tuesday, Nov. 15, visitation will be 10 to 11:15 a.m., and a ‘Celebration of Life’ service at 11:30 a.m., both at St. Alban’s Episcopal Church in Bovina. 

As an Eagle Scout, Bill was very passionate in his involvement with Boy Scout Troop 102. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Presbyterian Church notating donation for Troop 102 in memory of Bill Curtis mailed to 1501 Cherry St., Vicksburg, MS 39180.