Curtis Tussey

With deep sorrow and abiding love, we share the passing of Curtis Tussey of Morehead, Kentucky, a devoted daddy, papaw, and friend to all who departed this life on Monday, May 12,2025, at the age of 86.

Born on August 9, 1938, in Grayson, Kentucky, Curtis was the son of the late Commodore Perry and Norma (Stephenson) Tussey.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Freda (Patrick) Tussey; two brothers, and one sister:  Edgar Tussey, Paul Tussey, and Nola Elaine (Tussey) Deerfield. He is survived by four sisters: Elizabeth Caines of Olive Hill, Kentucky, Jean (David) Crisp, and Drema (Bob) Sagraves, all of Willard, Kentucky, and Loretta (Jim) Stamper of Olive Hill, Kentucky.

Curtis married his loving wife, Freda (Patrick) Tussey in 1967. Curtis and Freda shared 55 years together before her passing in 2022. Curtis and Freda created a loving family and were blessed with three daughters:  Tina (Jamie) Preece of Isonville, Kentucky, Tonya (John) Prince of Nicholasville, Kentucky, and Paige (Anthony) Cantrell of Morehead, Kentucky. Curtis was a guiding light and steady presence through every joy and every trial to his daughters and sons-in-law.

In his life, he exemplified hard work and dedication, taking immense joy in providing abundantly for his family.  He enjoyed working and retired three times before finally being forced to retire at the age of 74 due to health concerns. He was quiet, patient, kind, and always available to lend an ear when you needed someone to talk to. To his six grandchildren: Jacob (Taylor) Preece, Lynzee (Alex) Bush, Jayde (Jacob) Ison, Sydnee (Cameron) Moore, Caden Cantrell, and Taylor Prince, he was simply ‘Papaw’.  He was the best playmate, boo-boo fixer, cuddler, and storyteller.  He took great joy in watching his grandchildren grow into accomplished adults.   He enjoyed visiting with his four young great-grandchildren and laughed often when watching them or listening to stories of their toddler antics.

At just 17 years old, Curtis proudly joined the United States Navy. Throughout his years of service, he made many memories and developed a love for travel.  As he got older, he loved telling stories about his time on the USS Sierra. 

Curtis, known to family and friends as Curt, was a man of unwavering kindness, boundless generosity, and a spirit that truly never met a stranger.  His warmth, laughter, and storytelling could turn any stranger into a lifelong friend.   Curtis gave his life to the Lord in 1994 and was baptized at Elizabeth Baptist Church in Martha, Kentucky. He enjoyed attending church and church camp meetings with his wife, Freda, and close friends.

Curtis loved traveling with his family and spent hours poring over travel books and road maps to plan his next adventure. He loved camping with family and friends and cherished quiet mornings on the porch with a good cup of coffee. As an avid gardener, he relished nothing more than being outside with his dogs, observing nature.

Funeral services will be conducted 11 a.m. Friday, May 16, 2025, at Northcutt & Son Home for Funerals will Pastor Mike Blanton, Pastor James DeAtley, and Brother Randy Bradley officiating.  Burial will follow in Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens.

Pallbearers:  Jacob Preece, Caden Cantrell, Jake Ison, Cameron Moore, Trey Barnett, and Jarrod Caudill. Honoarary pallbearer: Alex Bush.

Visitation will be from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, May 15, 2025, at Northcutt & Son Home for Funerals, 400 Fraley Drive, Morehead, KY  40351.

View memorial tribute or sign guestbook at www.northcuttandson.com

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