SEARCY — Francis Burl Curtis,
90, of Searcy, Arkansas left this life on June 6, 2020. He spent his earthly life preparing for the future life by proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ, serving as a minister of churches of Christ primarily throughout the Southeastern United States. A native of Lead Hill, Arkansas he matriculated to Harding College where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Bible and English and a Master of Arts degree from Harding’s Graduate School of Religion. While at Harding he met his future wife and best friend for the last 70 years, Mary Evelyn Hayes Curtis. Because of their love of God and each other they made a great team. For seventeen years they worked in the mission field of South Carolina. Mr. Curtis preached for five congregations in South Carolina, planting three of them. Side by side they conducted numerous home Bible studies, campaigns, Bible Camps, Vacation Bible Schools and owned and operated a Christian book store. Together they conducted over 100 Bible teachers’ workshops in twelve states. They also operated Curtis Kindergarten in Searcy caring for preschool and kindergarten students for over 30 years.
What a man considers important is revealed in what a man writes. During his lifetime Mr. Curtis wrote hundreds of articles published primarily in the Carolina Christian magazine and the Gospel Light. He was also very passionate about his work with Truth Today World Mission School where he served on the Board of Directors and worked with those interpreting the Bible into foreign languages to ensure the interpretations were accurate. For many, Mr. Curtis served as a powerful spiritual example. Humility before both God and His Word, his mind was steeped in the Scriptures and he searched the pages of the Bible when confronted with any question. He had a kind spirit, a deep appreciation for his roots in family and church and a joyous and optimistic spirit. Those who knew him were blessed by his rich and gentle wisdom.
Mr. Curtis is survived by four children, Larry W. Curtis, Rebecca Ann McLain, Mary Beth Hoofman, Keven Scott Curtis, 14 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
Interment will be at White County Memorial Gardens with a private graveside service for the immediate family. In lieu of flowers, memorials in his honor may be sent to Truth for Today, 2209 Benton Road, Searcy, Arkansas 72143. Arrangements entrusted to Powell Funeral Home of Searcy. www.powellfuneralhome.net.