Curtis Harris

“King Curt” a nickname that Curtis gave himself, lead a life full of character and wit. He was born October 31, 1940, and made his way from Dermott, Arkansas to Portland, Oregon with his parents Ulicious Harris, now deceased, and his mother Evergie (Pittman) Harris.

Curtis grew up on Carlton Street in South East Portland. He attended Joseph Lane Elementary and graduated from Benjamin Franklin High School, where he was a member of the varsity basketball team. During high school Curtis was known for his immaculate dress. If his “white corduroy pants” weren’t ironed to perfection, if his “Brogan” shoes weren’t shinned to perfection he would not go to school.

Aside from giving himself a nickname, Curtis had nicknames for his sisters and friends, which included, “wolf, goat, heifer-may, trampoline,” and anything else that he could make up on the spot. Of course, no one ever got angry with him about the nicknames, because believe it or not, coming from him they were terms of endearment. In addition, the neighbors knew him as kind, courteous and loving; even the birds and squirrels knew of his kindness because he never stopped feeding them.
Aside from the berry and bean fields, Curtis’ first employment was with Goldberg's Restaurant located at Lloyd Center. He must have been a great waiter with a great smile because he lived off his tips, never in a hurry to cash his checks.  Thereafter, Curtis worked on the railroad and the shipyards. However, Curtis was much stronger than one would think. He was a dialysis patient for 20 years (March 1999).

Curtis was an avid domino and card player and allocated two days a week playing with Bobby Harris and other friends. As his siblings, we knew not to disturb those card parties. Curtis was, as his sisters will always remember, instrumental in teaching them the fine art of card games, which included but was not limited to Bridge, Bid Whist and Pinochle. 
Curtis never lost his “hope, joy, praise or faith.”  He studied the “Word” daily. He religiously supported the TBN Network and other television ministries by sending monthly donations in support of their message.

Curtis has two children, Kurtis Harris, residing in Florida and a daughter, Crystal Harris-Featherstone (Dana) of Texas. Crystal expressed that, her Dad spent countless nights for 15 years discussing the "Word" and giving her wisdom as a comforter in life's lessons. He leaves behind five grandchildren, Trino, Rielle, Diamond, and Jaliyah; and a few great-grandchildren.
He lived a life with nine other siblings. Four of them preceded him in death. Ulicious Jr., Harvesta, Constance, and Anita. He is survived by his mother, Evergie Harris, brother, James; sisters, Otharyn Rand, Bertha Smith, Phyllis Harris-Haynes (Nate), Darlene Davenport, and Betty Harris. His, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends will miss him.
Curtis - Sunrise, October 31, 1940  - - Sunset, August 16, 2019, “never lost his hope, joy, praise or faith.”

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