Curtis was born on November 29, 1951, in Clovis, California, to Jesse and Louise Turner. He grew up there as one of six children, alongside his sisters Carneaties (Jessie Mae), Elvira (Vera), and Dorothy, and his brothers Sylvester and Erving. As the second youngest, he developed an easygoing spirit and a natural way of connecting with people. Curtis graduated from Clovis High School, where his early love for sports first began to shine.

From a young age, Curtis showed remarkable talent in football. His dedication and skill earned him a scholarship to California State University, Hayward. However, life had other plans. During the Vietnam War draft, Curtis answered the call to serve his country. At just 18 years old, he enlisted in the United States Navy, serving from 1970 to 1972 as a plane handler responsible for hangar deck maintenance. His service was marked by excellence and integrity. His commanding officers described him as an “outstanding worker, quick learner, reliable, and someone whose demeanor and personality lifted the morale of the entire division.”

After returning home, Curtis stepped into the workforce and soon found his calling in sales. His outgoing personality, natural humor, and genuine love for people made him a natural. At the age of 25, he began his career with Allstate Insurance in 1976—a career that would flourish for over twenty years. Curtis didn’t just do well—he truly excelled. He opened his own Allstate office and earned various honors, including several Honor Ring distinctions and numerous selections to the Chairman's Life Circle, recognizing him among the top five life insurance producers in the nation. These achievements brought him not only professional pride but also many memorable trips and experiences.

But Curtis was far more than his career. He had a deep love for life and lived it fully. He enjoyed staying active—playing tennis, jogging, boating, and jet-skiing. He had a competitive spirit and a love for fun, especially when it came to his favorite board game, backgammon. Curtis also had an adventurous side, embracing experiences like skydiving and hang-gliding with enthusiasm and courage.

One of the roles he cherished most was being a coach. As the head coach for the boys’ and girls’ basketball teams at Gibson Elementary School, Curtis poured his energy into encouraging and challenging young players. Those who knew him in this role remember not just the lessons about basketball, but the lessons about confidence, and teamwork.

Curtis was truly fun-loving, always entertaining, and full of life. He had a way of making people laugh, feel at ease, and feel valued. His presence could brighten a room, and his spirit left a lasting impression on everyone he met.

In the final eight months of his life, Curtis experienced something deeply meaningful—he came to know Christ and found a sense of peace that he had long been searching for. It brought him comfort, and it is a comfort now to those who loved him.

Curtis was preceded in death by his mother and father, Louise and Jesse Turner, brothers Sylvester and Irving Turner, and sisters Elvira (Vera) and Dorothy Turner.

Curtis is survived by his wife, Deniece Turner; his daughter, Stephanie Clark; his grandchildren, Terren and Stephen Ransom, his children Derrick Turner and Malia Watkins; his son-in-law, Matthew Watkins; and his sister, Carneaties (Jessie Mae) Turner.

Today, we remember Curtis not only for what he accomplished, but for who he was—a father, grandfather, brother, an uncle, a veteran, a friend, and a man who truly embraced life. He will be deeply missed, forever remembered, and always loved.

Send to someone

Share this obituary with others

https://everloved.com/life-of/curtis-turner/obituary/

Copy