Courtesy of Chaney-Harkins Funeral Home
Submitted by: Carol Spear Rice

William "Perch" or "Bill" Curtis Jr. went to be with his Lord and Savior on September 13, 2023. He was welcomed home to the Lord after a courageous battle against cancer. Through his final moments, William showed steadfast faith and contentment in the Lord and a love for those around him. In lieu of flowers, please consider supporting the spread of the gospel through donations to Mount Triumph Baptist Church, McAlester, OK., East Star Baptist Church of McAlester, OK., or Vision of Faith Church in Broken Arrow, OK. A funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, September 22, 2023 at the Chaney Harkins Funeral Home Chapel with Reverend Anthony Washington officiating. The burial will follow at North Town Cemetery in McAlester. William Curtis Jr. was born March 31, 1935 in McAlester, OK to parents William B. and Ora Curtis. He was one of nine children born to the close-knit family. William spent many hours with his brothers and sisters discussing football, boxing, fishing, car mechanics and how to barbeque, (but never disclosing his secret to the sauce). He met the love of his life Polly Jo Walker in high school and married her in August 1956. He joined the Army reserve shortly, thereafter in 1957, then eventually went active duty. He made sure his salvation was secured when he chose to get baptized at East Star Baptist Church in McAlester as a young man. After marriage, he joined Mount Triumph Baptist Church to worship the Lord with his new bride Polly where he was appointed as a deacon. The United States Army sent him to West Germany, Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri, Ft. Riley, Kansas, Ft. Hood, Texas, and Ft. Polk, Louisiana. He served in Vietnam twice but was wounded and had to return stateside for extensive treatment. After completion of the treatment, he asked to return to join his team in Vietnam to finish what he had started. This request was granted. He retired from the military in 1976. He was awarded two Good Conduct Medals, the Vietnam Service Medal, Purple Heart, National Defense Service Medal, and the Army Commendation Medal. Together he and Polly reared 4 children. He taught them the values of humility, perseverance, hard work and generosity. His immense love overflowed to those outside the family and he served as a father, coach, teacher, mentor, and cheerleader for his nephews (especially the ones who chose boxing), nieces, cousins, and friends. In both joy and suffering, William was known by all to be a jokester, but inclusive, kind, and full of grace. His infectious joy, commitment to the truth and abundant love will continue to spread through the innumerable lives he has shaped. William was preceded in death by his parents: William Sr. and Ora Curtis; his sister: Ophelia Hamilton; and brothers: Rufus, Theodore, Alfonzo, Robert, and Billy Joe (Lyon). He is survived by his wife of 67 years: Polly (Walker) Curtis; his 4 children and spouses: Sherron and Frank Olivarez, Darryl and Victoria Curtis, Carmen Curtis, and Barry and Val Curtis; his beloved grandchildren: Vanessa, Javier, Zachary, Ashley and Jenna. He is also survived by his siblings: Jo Ann Hughes of St. Louis, Missouri, and Emma Watts of Eufaula, Oklahoma and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.