WILMINGTON — Thomas Neil “Turts/Turtle” Curtis passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 23rd, 2025, at a medical facility in Winnabow, NC, in the loving company of his daughters, Charlotte and Jessica Curtis.
He was born December 10th, 1949 in Conneaut, Ohio. After graduating from Columbus College of Art and Design in Columbus, Ohio, he moved to Hartland, Vermont, where he met his soulmate, Christina Morrow-Curtis. Together, they raised two daughters.
A talented artist, Thomas held many vocations over the years, many of which allowed his creative, fun, and zany spirit to influence his work. These included crafting hand carved signs, various sculpture, masonry, graphic design, and restaurant management. A talented athlete, once running a mile in under 5 minutes, he greatly enjoyed the outdoors. He was a long distance runner whose completion of the Boston Marathon was one of his proudest achievements, and often rode with a rowdy bunch of VT Mountain Bikers.
Later in life, he moved to Myrtle Beach, SC to be closer to his daughters. In Myrtle Beach, he was active in the Celebrate Recovery Program and Journey Church, where he was known for his culinary talents, ushering on Sundays, hugging/welcoming all, and exuberant dancing. He enjoyed taking his Labrador to the beach, and his many outings with his youngest daughter Jessica, who shared her beloved “Turts” with the community through social media, leading him to become a recognizable figure in the area. After a diagnosis of Dementia, and subsequently Parkinson’s, he moved in with his eldest daughter, Charlotte Curtis, of Wilmington, NC. She lovingly provided his full time care for the last 4 years of his life.
In addition to his daughters, Thomas is survived by his niece, Pamela Austin, her husband Jon, great nieces Megan, Hannah, Grace, Faith, Hope, Kennedy, Shelby; nephew Michael Black, and great nephews Adam and Ron. Their yearly visits were one of his greatest joys. He is also survived by his two son “in laws”, Joseph Muniz, of Myrtle Beach, SC, and Ian Smythe, of Wilmington, NC, who both lovingly contributed to his care, and his best friend of over fifty years, Alan Cameron of Natick, MA, and his wife Samantha. “Grand-Dogs” Dutch, Skye, Pluto, Snooki, and Daisy will miss his cuddles and loyal companionship.
He is predeceased by his wife of 25 years, Christina Morrow-Curtis, parents R. and A. Curtis, and siblings Ronald, Cherie, and Debbie.
A Celebration of Life will be planned in Myrtle Beach, SC, with date forthcoming.
Charlotte and Jessica ask that friends and family consider a donation to Christian Recovery Center, in Shalotte, NC, or Alcoholics Anonymous, in his memory. If you or someone you love has a problem with drinking, our family encourages you to reach out to your local AA or Al Anon Chapter. Download the “Meeting Guide” App to find a meeting near you.
