Curtis was born on November 24, 1934 in Homer, Louisiana, he was the third of six sons born to Roy Sr. and Mary Ola Howard Roberts. Curtis grew up in Louisiana and relocated to Rock Island in the early 1960s. Curtis served his country in the U.S. Army.
Curtis was a Teamster with Local 371, Rock Island for many years. He retired from McCarthy Improvement. He married Lulabell Sawyer and brought to this union was one daughter Evelyn Denise Roberts.
He later married Earnestine Smith on June 12, 1976 in Rock Island and five daughters were brought into this union, Sheila, Gwen, Diana, Pamela and Rosalind. Curtis and Earnestine Roberts were married for 33 years, she preceded him in death on June 11, 2010. Curtis loved growing up on the farm with his parents, and spending time with his brothers.
He often spent time tinkering with cars and working around the house repairing whatever needed repair, telling stories of his childhood, past work experiences and friends, and oh! the places the military had taken him, he enjoyed watching his favorite sports teams the Chicago Bears, and of course whatever basketball team his grandson played for, watching old westerns, going to stock-car races, dancing and entertaining friends and family anytime, but especially the weekends at his favorite local evening and night spots. When Curtis or Papa, as his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren called him, was not working he was spoiling his grandkids (even though he denied it).
His favorite pastime was spending time with them and sharing his advice, and his unique sense of humor. Curtis was proud of all his daughters, grandkids, and great grandkids. With Curtis being raised by his parents in a house of all brothers, Curtis now found himself in a house full of women, Curtis had entered unchartered territory with raising six daughters, a responsibility he took whole heartily by nurturing each with time, patience, love, advise and understanding.
So when his daughters became of age and started dated any suiter was guaranteed a rigorous interview process unknowingly, through various conversations he would have with the suiter. After passing the interview process Curtis welcomed and was delighted to have three son-in-laws that he established fatherly relationships with; Willie Randle, Larry (Roscoe) Hoskins, and William (Bill) Miles. During many of their conversations i.e. debates/family feuds he especially loved, as he would say to “Aggravate” them and they would “Aggravate” him in return, all in fun.
Curtis was a great listener and advisor, his home and office the “Porch” was where anyone and everyone that came to visit would find themselves glued to for several hours and sometimes days. There was a lot of listening, advise, and storytelling told on the “Porch”. Not to mention the countless waving he would give to every car that went by some he knew and some he didn’t.
He would often say “No harm in waving”. Curtis crossed paths with many and he made many lifelong friendships over the years. Curtis Roberts, 84 of Rock Island, was called home the morning of Saturday, February 23, 2019 at St. Anthony’s Care Center, Rock Island.
Those left to cherish his memory include daughters: Sheila Roberts, Gwen (Willie) Randle, Diana (Dr. David) Gadsden, Pamela Hearn, Evelyn Denise Roberts, Rosalind Miles; grandchildren, Tiera (AJ) Teague, Tahitia Roberts, Imari Bates, Chaneyl Hoskins, Chasson Randle, Destiney Hearn, Khaliyah Randle, Arviana Miles and Darrian Guy, Cedar Rapids, IA; Curtis was blessed with step-grandchildren: Keshana, William (Tank), Sterling Miles, Krishawn Peace, Lakisha and Lemarera Randle, and Jonah, Savannah, and Noah Gadsden; great grandchildren: Ma’Kiyah, Za’Riyah, Tiajah, Zion, AJ Jr, Baby Hoskins due August 2019, step-great grandchildren: William, Kiah, Jasmine, Laila, and Mahogany; siblings: Leonard (Mattie) Roberts, Ft. Worth, TX and Joe Lee (Zelma) Roberts, Copperas Cove, TX; sister-in-laws, Rose Jones, Eria Jean Roberts and Betty Roberts all of Rock Island; and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, family and friends. In addition to his wife Earnestine, Curtis was preceded in death by his parents; grandsons: Brandon Montrell Roberts, and Michael Ian Terry Bates; brothers, Roy Roberts Jr., Willie D. Roberts and Colunious Roberts.
Funeral services will be 3:00 p.m. Saturday, March 2nd, at Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home and Crematory, 3030 7th Avenue, Rock Island. Visitation will be 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Saturday prior to services at the funeral home. Inurnment, with military honors, will be 2:30 p.m. Monday, March 4th, at Rock Island National Cemetery, Arsenal Island.
Those wishing to attend are to meet at 2:00 p.m. Monday at Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home and Crematory, 3030 7th Ave. , Rock Island.
If you found any mistakes, or you would like to add/remove to this obituary, please contact us by email: info@obituary.memorial. We never ask money for this.
