Curtis Lee White

Mr. Curtis Lee White, I, age 74, of Chesapeake, Virginia, was born on August 5, 1951, in Covington, Georgia, to the late Eva Yearby and Joe White. He grew into a man of strength, principle, and unwavering integrity. He graduated from Riverside High School in Chattanooga, Tennessee, in 1970 and immediately answered the call to serve his country. That same year, he enlisted in the United States Navy, embarking on a distinguished 20-year career that culminated in his retirement in 1990 with the rank of Ship’s Serviceman Chief Petty Officer (SHC). Throughout his naval service, Mr. Curtis served with distinction in both afloat and ashore commands, with his first assignment aboard the USS Opportune (ARS-41) in Norfolk, Virginia. His tours of duty included faithful service during the Vietnam War, where he earned a Bronze Star, and the Persian Gulf War (Operation Desert Storm). His military commendations also included four Good Conduct Medals and a Meritorious Unit Commendation. He was highly respected for his dedication, his expertise in logistics and supply management, and his leadership that shaped younger sailors under his watch. After retiring from active duty, Mr. Curtis continued his career in federal service with the Department of Defense as an Information Technology Specialist, a role he faithfully carried out for another 24 years until his final retirement in 2014, completing a remarkable 44 years of combined military and civil service. He also pursued higher education, earning an Associate’s Degree from Tidewater Community College, demonstrating his belief in lifelong learning. Mr. Curtis loved God and lived his life with faith at the center of all he did. He was deeply committed to his church and community. He was a proud member of the Masonic Order and the Arabian organization, fellowships through which he exemplified service, brotherhood, and civic responsibility. He also served faithfully on the Fellowship Committee at Focus Church in Chesapeake, Virginia, where, since 2015, he and his beloved wife were members under the pastoral care of Dr. J. T. and Dr. Shalise Taylor. In his service at Focus, Mr. Curtis strengthened his walk with God and joyfully shared his gifts with others. His Masonic and fraternal service included: ●Worshipful Past Master of Lebanon Lodge #34 ● Past High Priest of Truxton/Mt. Moriah #9 (Royal Arch Masons) ● Honorary Past Most Excellent Grand High Priest of King Cyrus Grand Chapter (Holy Royal Arch Masons) ● Past Eminent Commander of Antioch Commandery #7 (Knights Templar) ● Past Commander in Chief of Alpha and Omega Consistory #9 (D.C.), 32° ● Recorder and Honorary Past Imperial Potentate of Arabia Temple #12 (AEONMS) Beyond his remarkable professional and military life, Mr. Curtis’s greatest devotion was to his family. He married the love of his life, Veronica White, on September 26, 1976, and together they built nearly five decades (49 years) of steadfast love, partnership, and family legacy. Their union was blessed with three children: Dr. Tamika (Jonathan) Pierce of Suffolk, Virginia; the late Curtis Lee White, II; and Timothy (Karen) White, I of Chesapeake, Virginia. He delighted in his grandchildren — Nia Prunty, TaJohn Dancy, and Timothy White, II — and was overjoyed to see the birth of his great-granddaughter, Nova Dancy. Mr. Curtis’s siblings — Tony (Judy) White and Undre (Rosa) White, both of Covington, Georgia; Rodney Yearby of Cleveland, Tennesse; Dicine Killum of Decatur, Georgia; and Godbrother, Frentress White of Norfolk, Virginia — along with his brothers of the Masonic Order and the Arabian organization, a host of extended family, friends, and fellow servicemembers, will remember him for his steadfast love, humor, wisdom, and strength. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Michael Yearby, and his cherished son, Curtis Lee White, II. Mr. Curtis was a man of many joys. He loved fishing, experimenting with gadgets and computers, grilling steaks, and spending quality time with those he loved. He also shared a special bond with his great “fur grand,” Pluto Maxwell, faithfully caring for him and enjoying their daily walks together. Above all, he was a man of principle, a provider, a husband beyond compare, and a father and grandfather whose devotion to his family was unmatched. Mr. Curtis transitioned peacefully on September 29, 2025, surrounded by his devoted family. He leaves behind a life richly lived — a legacy of love, service, and faith that will forever inspire all who knew him.

Curtis Lee White

August 5, 1951 - September 29, 2025