His childhood was spent in the Ozark Mountains in the small town of Pelsor, AR. This was something he was very proud of so his nickname while attending The University of Arkansas became just that, Pelsor. His mother's family established the Hankins General Store in the early 1920's on AR Scenic HWY 7 where he spent countless hours helping his grandparents. In addition to helping at the family store, he was also a cook at Booger Hollow Trading Post. He definitely lived the country life; he even had a pet bear cub. He was a star athlete competing in various sports at Dover High School and continued his passion for basketball by playing for the Razorback Basketball team. He also was a member of the Alpha Zeta Chapter of Pi Kappa Alpha where many life long friendships began. Due to the sudden passing of his father, he dropped out of college his junior year to return home to help his mom and his younger siblings.
During this time, he began his over 20-year career at Stephens, Inc. His initial role was on the Fixed Income desk and final position on the Institutional Equity sales team. In 1974, he met the love of his life, Evelyn "Lyn" McQueen. The country boy was overcome by the delta darling's charm and beauty! They married in Dermott, AR on January 22, 1977 and settled in Little Rock. Lyn's encouragement convinced Dennis to finish his college degree at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, making him the first in his family to achieve this accomplishment. He and Lyn had two children, Kelley McQueen Curtis and Dennis Ray Curtis, Jr. They moved to Cabot in 1986 where he coached countless tee-ball, baseball, softball, and basketball teams for his kids. He even built a baseball field for the teams next to his house to ensure he would never miss a practice. He also served a number of terms on the Cabot School Board, one of which as President. He was a huge supporter of the Cabot School System and their athletic programs. Dennis also loved his time playing golf with friends at Rolling Hills Country Club while living in Cabot.
Dennis and Lyn moved back to Little Rock to be near their children and grandchildren. Being a dedicated father helped to prepare him for his next role as a grandfather. Becoming "Gdad" to Grant, Jackson, and Dennis was one of his greatest joys, and he was actively involved in their lives. He was so excited to spend more time teaching his grandsons to hunt and fish. As a Christian, he was always an active member in his church, most recently serving as Elder at First Christian Church in Little Rock. He was also very active in fundraising for the Pike House Project in the past 7 years which resulted in the Alpha Zeta Chapter getting a beautifully updated house.
In 1996 he founded The Curtis Team while he was a Vice President/Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch. Shortly thereafter his daughter joined the team followed by his son where they witnessed his passion for helping his clients achieve their financial dreams. Dennis obtained the Certified Investment Management Analyst (CIMA) certification from The Wharton Business School. In 2011, The Curtis Team opened Stifel's Little Rock branch where they continue to serve their clients. Dennis obtained the title of Senior Vice President/Investments at Stifel where he continuously was a member of the firm's Chairman/President's Council. He was always proud to have his children follow in his footsteps and they will continue his legacy with The Curtis Team at Stifel.
Dennis' humor will never be forgotten. He had a gift for making people laugh and brightening their day. Not only was he the life of the party, he also was a selfless person with a very generous and warm heart. Dennis was committed to giving back to his community. He would give the shirt off his back to someone in need.
He is survived and loved by his family, his wife of 43 years, Evelyn "Lyn" Curtis, his children, Kelley McQueen Dunlap (Dr. Bryan) and Dennis "DJ" Ray Curtis Jr. (Rachael) both of Little Rock, and his adored grandchildren, William "Grant" Grantham Dunlap III, Jackson McQueen Dunlap, and Dennis Ray Curtis III. Other survivors include his sister, Annie Norris (Alan), sister-in-law, Maxine Curtis and nephews, TJ Curtis, Dustin Curtis, Andrew Norris and Aaron Norris as well as cousin, Camille Bennett (Wayne). A private service for family will be held at 10:30 a.m. on June 1, 2020 which will be streamed live on www.stephensondearman.com and a celebration of life will be scheduled at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) Little Rock Chapter, 11324 Arcade Dr., Suite 16, Little Rock, AR 72212, phone number 501-217-0321, or charity of choice.
Condolences(57)
Jason Bennett
Knoxville, TN Thursday, August 12, 2021 Rest In Peace, Brother.Kevin & Theresa Garland
Little Rock, AR Wednesday, June 3, 2020 Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Curtis family. So sorry for your loss.Jenny Smith
Little Rock, AR Monday, June 1, 2020 Rest In Peace dear friend.Cindy Osment
Little Rock, AR Monday, June 1, 2020 I can just hear Dennis and Dad laughing like they use too. They are in the fishing boat, Dennis laughing as he’s helping Pete to get his fish in the boat before he breaks the line. I know Mom and Dad met him with open arms. Dennis will truly be missed. What a wonderful man and friend. He was a Godsend to the Rice Family! You all will be in our thoughts and prayers. May God give you the strength.Love the Osments
Greg lee
Fayetteville, AR Monday, June 1, 2020 Dennis was a wonderful friend and trusted advisor to our family. He was a professional financial advisor, family man , and friend. The Lee’s will always be grateful for his guidance an miss him in our lives. Our condolences to Lyn,DJ,Kelley, and their family.Penny W Hagerestrom
Cordova, TN Monday, June 1, 2020 Lyn, Kelley & Dennis I am so sorry for your loss. There are no words to help your pain. Thinking of you all at this time and sending prayers for your healing.Penny W Hagerstrom
Penny W Hagerestrom
Cordova, TN Monday, June 1, 2020 Lyn, Kelley & Dennis I am so sorry for your loss. There are no words to help your pain. Thinking of you all at this time and sending prayers for your healing.Penny W Hagerstrom
Anthony Sherman
Fayetteville, AR Monday, June 1, 2020 tBetty Free
Cabot, AR Monday, June 1, 2020 My prayers go out to the family. Our children went to school together and we have fond memories of athletic and school events. My last contact with Dennis was at a bank parking lot in Little Rock and he was just as pleasant and charming as I remember him being in Cabot. Good trees have good fruit. May God comfort you during this time of loss.Bob, Gil, and Ray Mayer
Ward, AR Monday, June 1, 2020 Wish we could be with you all, but will be watching online. Our prayers for you all continue.George Neofytidis
New York, NY Monday, June 1, 2020 To my dear friends Lyn, Kelley and DJ, I offer you my deepest condolences. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. I am honored to have worked with Dennis professionally and proud to call him my friend. He was a wonderful man and I will greatly miss him. May he rest in peace.Tre McQueen
Alexandria, VA Monday, June 1, 2020 Dear Curtis Clan,Uncle Dennis was a great man. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Tre
Leigh Kershner
Atlanta, GA Monday, June 1, 2020 Kelley we are so sad to hear of your father's death. We love you and hope you feel wrapped in the Lord's comfort during this time.Love,
Greg, Talia, Meti, Sechaba, Isabella and Leigh
Ronnie and Ginny
Austin, AR Sunday, May 31, 2020 Lyn and family, we are so sorry and deeply saddened by the loss of Dennis. He was a wonderful friend. Our prayers are for all of you during this terrible time. We loved him and will miss our wonderful and fun trips together.. The Lord just got a new angel that He will throughly enjoy. Love to all of you.Brandon and Ruth Huffman
Houston, TX Sunday, May 31, 2020 He will be dearly missed. He worked for my parents at Booger Hollow. During my High School and College years, I went to Dennis for advice as I looked at him as a big brother. He was always there for me. He and his sister Annie have taken care of my parent’s investments for over 40 years.He was a great person and a true gentleman.
Tracy Wood
Bryant, AR Saturday, May 30, 2020 He was the nicest person I ever met he would help anyone and never judged anyone. He will be missed a honor to know him.Gary Karnes
Fayetteville, AR Friday, May 29, 2020 Loved Dennis Ray Curtis. Haven’t seen Dennis in years but his energy & enthusiasm was fun to witness during our Pi Kappa Alpha years at the UofA. I was so sorry to hear of his passing. Lyn & family, may God give you the strength to move forward as you lovingly grieve the lossof your loved one. I will always have fond memories of Dennis. May God bless the Curtis family today & always.
Bill Utley
ft myers beach, FL Friday, May 29, 2020 I was shocked and saddened when I received the e-mail from Pam (Berry) Chastain that one of my oldest friends had passed. Dennis and I go back to the 7th grade where we often hunted squirrels with his dad Doyen and as we got older we played basketball for the Dover Pirates. Dennis, Dale Carter and myself formed a little band, needless to say we didn’t make the cover of Rolling Stone. We graduated from high school then enrolled at the University Of Arkansas. Dennis was focused and worked hard and did everything right, while I was more interested in girls and having fun. Dennis I have often thought about you and now I will miss you. Hope they have hunting , fishing and basket ball where you are.Your friend Bill
Diane Modisette
Fayetteville, AR Friday, May 29, 2020 Lyn dear, Nancy Bittle called me today and told me.. about the death of your mother and husband. How sad for you to lose both of them in a short time. Your parents were dear to us and we spent precious time with them. I have read both obituaries with much interest. Your husband had an interesting life. He lived a life to its fullest. Please accept our sympathy and please know how much we care. DianeVicki and Wendel Msall
CABOT, AR Friday, May 29, 2020 Lyn, we were so sorry to hear of Dennis's passing. Our prayers are with you and your family praying that God's peace and comfort will surround you all.Johnnie Kirk
Cabot, AR Thursday, May 28, 2020 Though it has been some years since I have seen Dennis and his family members, I am saddened by the loss of this good hearted, generous and giving man. He was a friend to many., and he will be missed. The world was a better place because of him. My prayers are with Lyn ( Bertha) and his beloved familyDelaine Baughtman
Little Rock, AR Thursday, May 28, 2020 I know Dennis will be missed by many, many people. He was a true light to everyone he met. Always a smile and handshake or hug on Sunday mornings. His family and friends are so lucky to have known and loved a man like Dennis. You are in my prayers.Ben Mays
Clinton, AR Thursday, May 28, 2020 Dennis was a great friend of mine while I attended the University of Arkansas in 1968. Coming from Dover High School, he had also been a schoolmate and good friend to the girl of my dreams (Linda Churchill), who would eventually become my wife and soulmate for half a century now and running. Almost fifty ago, after prodding me to charge forth with my romantic aspirations, Dennis stood smiling as my groomsman when Linda and I exchanged our wedding vows. Blessed with the most pleasantly extraverted personality I have ever known, Dennis Curtis had the ability to change lives with his infectious optimism and gregarious goodwill. In the Fall of 1968, he changed mine. Ben MaysPat Yingling
Cabot, AR Thursday, May 28, 2020 Lynn, Kelley & Dennis, so sorry to hear of Dennis' passing. You are in my prayers during this time. Dennis was always so kind to my family. .Merrell E Shoptaw
Dover, AR Thursday, May 28, 2020 It was my pleasure to become reconnected with Dennis while serving on the Dover School Board in the 1990's. I'm truly sorry for your loss.Mike Beard
Hot Springs Village, AR Thursday, May 28, 2020 Lyn:I cannot begin to share you & your family's loss. Regardless, I want share my Thoughts & Prayers with you.
When Dennis & I bought a guided quail hunt to Osage City, KS, a 20 year, Memory Making Extravanza began.
Some of my greatest memories are of Dennis & our Bird Dogs in Kansas, with our Buddy, Dick Hardin.
God Bless You and May He Rest In Peace.
MB
Susan Yarbrough
Cabot, AR Wednesday, May 27, 2020 I’m so sorry for your loss. Dennis was a great person.. One of the good ones. He will be greatly missed. 🙏APRIL MCDANIEL
LITTLE ROCK, AR Wednesday, May 27, 2020 So very sorry for the loss of Dennis. I have enjoyed working with him for many years. He will be missed.Alan Turnbo
Cabot, AR Wednesday, May 27, 2020 Lyn, Kelley and Dennis, our deepest sympathies to y’all, we’re praying for your comfort. Dennis was an inspiration to me and I truly admired him. Love you. Guys. Alan and Susan Turnbo.Janice Stanford
Little Rock, AR Wednesday, May 27, 2020 Dennis has always been and will always be one of my favorite people. I am very fortunate to have known him 25+ years. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you .Carl and Anna George
Fayetteville, AR Wednesday, May 27, 2020 We are so sorry to hear about the loss of Dennis. He was such a great man and his sense of humor will be missed. We will be thinking about your family during this time.Lisa & Mary Alice
Jacksonville, AR Wednesday, May 27, 2020 They don’t come much nicer & genuine than Dennis Curtis! We are so thankful to have known him. Our hearts hurt for you Lyn, Kelley, DJ and the rest of the family. Heaven gained a sweet soul with a huge smile.Our thoughts & prayers continue to be with you.
Jim Dalton
Cabot, TX Wednesday, May 27, 2020 Dear Curtis family, I was sad to hear about the passing of Dennis. What a great guy! I wonderful family man, a wonderful father, husband, and community member. I loved being around Dennis. I am so sorry for your loss. But I do know that he is with the saints in heaven! God‘s peace and comfort be with you all.Jim And Joyce Dalton
Nina Snyder
Lonoke, AR Wednesday, May 27, 2020 My heart aches for the entire family. I respected Dennis as a business associate but even more I considered him a friend. He will never be forgotten.Jim & Donna Bottin
The Villages, FL Wednesday, May 27, 2020 We are so sorry for your loss, Dennis will be missed!🙏🏻🙏🏻Joan Zumwalt
Jacksonville, AR Wednesday, May 27, 2020 I loved Dennis like family. In addition, I TRUSTED him with a majority of my estate assets. Besides his great humor, his integrity was always there. God speed special friend..!Stephen Swartz
Little Rock, AR Wednesday, May 27, 2020 Hard to hear the news. Dennis was a true gentleman. He was so welcoming to us when we first joined First Christian Church and helped guide me with advise through the years. Prayers for your family.Donna & Brian Hagewood
Maumelle, AR Tuesday, May 26, 2020 DJ, our hearts are hurt and saddened to hear of the sudden passing of your dad. Words alone cannot express how sorry we are for your loss. We will keep you and your family in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Hugs.💙 The Hagewood FamilyChuck & Nancy Rhoades
Cabot, AR Tuesday, May 26, 2020 Lyn, Kellie and DJ! Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of you at this time of sadness and remembering. WE know that you all have lots of wonderful memories to talk about, hang onto and cherish in the days, months and years to come. My memories mostly revolve around helping him coach the boy's baseball and basketball teams. We may have not always had the best talent, but, we had kids that tried hard and parents that supported them and we had lots of fun, along with winning quite a few games! I also remember the trip to Space camp and all the other events at school and a trip to a Razorback Basketball game at Bud Walton on Valentines Day one year. These are the memories I will cherish. Dennis was a good man and a great friend, as all of you are. Our lives are blessed by having known him as a friend, one that I will miss! God Bless you all and wrap his loving arms around you during this most difficult time!Bob & Pat rooks
Selmer, TN Tuesday, May 26, 2020Lynn, our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Love you!
Beth Greer Byrd
Little Rock, AR Tuesday, May 26, 2020 Lyn, I am so sorry to learn of Dennis’s passing. You and your family will be in my prayers.Larry Brandt
Harrison, AR Tuesday, May 26, 2020 Dennis was a great friend both personally & professionally and he left us far too soon. He will be sincerely missed by many and my prayers are with all the family.Jennifer Key
Hot Springs, AR Tuesday, May 26, 2020 Annie, Kelley, and Dennis - Dennis SR was a great man. He always made me smile. He will definitely be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.Crystal Schlegl
, MO Tuesday, May 26, 2020 My heart is broken in a thousand pieces! A true gentleman in all regards. Stifel has lost a rare gem of an advisor and a friend. His surprise visits to the corporate office in St. Louis were welcomed with smiles and ended in laughter and hugs. DJ, Kelley and family - our hearts go out to you and your families. You will all be in our thoughts and prayers during the coming days, weeks and months ahead. Much love to you all!Louis & ILA Campbepp
Fayetteville, AR Tuesday, May 26, 2020 Our heart and our prayers are with you Lyn and Kelley and DJ and families.Melissa Cecil
Little Rock, AR Tuesday, May 26, 2020 I’m so sorry to hear about Dennis. I hope the good memories you have of him will comfort you in the days ahead. Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers.Joey Bray
Cabot, AR Tuesday, May 26, 2020 so many memories we had together from tball to golf trips. Dennis and I got teamed up a lot and made our golf trips so much fun. He was an important part of my life as our familiesgrew up in Cabot together. My prayers are with you.
Dudley Shollmier Sr.
Little Rock, AR Tuesday, May 26, 2020 Curtis lived a full life and was my friend.Mike Arthur
little rock, AR Tuesday, May 26, 2020 Heaven is a brighter place now, and God is laughing more! Be well my friend.Woody & Shirley Parks
Dover, AR Tuesday, May 26, 2020 Lost a good friend, will always be remembered!LEE MCQUEEN
WEST MEMPHIS, AR Tuesday, May 26, 2020 Good man and a GREAT Brother-in-Law !Meredith Bell
Arkadelphia, AR Tuesday, May 26, 2020 Lyn, Kelley & DJ,Prayers, love and hugs. I always loved his personality!
Teresa Ammons
Benton, AR Tuesday, May 26, 2020 Dennis was a wonderful person he will be missed greatly! I will always remember him for being able to make you smile with a one of the kind joke along with a big Hug! My prayers are with your family.Love yall,
Teresa
burt standrodge
DOVER, AR Tuesday, May 26, 2020 Remembering the bicycle ride Dennis, Dale, Lowell Calvin and myself had from Pelsor to Dover in the summer of 67 on hwy 7. We all had bikes that were to small and way to old for such a ride. Great high school memory.Lauren Britton
Denver, CO Tuesday, May 26, 2020 Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers.Terry Freeman
Russellville, AR Tuesday, May 26, 2020 To a man i upmost respect for and will miss very much. Much to what he would have not wanted my heart hurts . But he was a good man and had a wonderful full life of experiences and sorry they were cut short.God bless the Curtis group for this dear loss.
Butch. Price
Cabot., AR Tuesday, May 26, 2020 Butch, and. Tony. Price loved. Denis. Curtis very much. One of the finest and upbeat person I have ever known. He would make you happy just being around him We always said we were related because my great grandmother was a. Curtis I will always remember that smile and positive attitude One of the best men I have had the pleasure knowing. Little. D. Our family send our love to your family!!!