Robert Kenneth Curtis

Robert Kenneth "Ken" Curtis, 83 of Goose Creek, South Carolina, passed away on Monday, February 23, 2026. 

Born on September 6, 1942 in Chattanooga, TN, Ken was a son of the late Ethel Thompson Curtis and William Curtis. 

Ken dedicated 20 years to the United States Navy, retiring with the distinguished rank of Chief Torpedoman (TMC). His service took him beneath the seas on submarines and into the heart of the conflict in Vietnam, where he was wounded in action and awarded the Purple Heart for his sacrifice and Bronze Star for meritorious service.

His commitment to service did not end with his military career. For more than 50 years, Ken served his community as a Captain with the Goose Creek Volunteer Fire Department, protecting and leading with the same courage he showed in uniform.

He also devoted years of leadership as a commander in the DAV (Disabled American Veterans), continuing to advocate for and support his fellow veterans. As a proud member of SUBVETS, he maintained strong ties to his submarine family.

In addition to all of this, Ken had a hobby as a ham radio operator.

Above all else, he loved his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. 

Ken is preceded in death by his parents; his son, Michael; brother William "Butch" Curtis; and sister, Evelyn. 

Ken is survived by his wife of 63 years, Barbara Curtis; his sons: Tim Curtis and Chris Curtis (Rhonda); daughter-in-law, Melissa Curtis; brother, Edward Curtis (Harriet), sister-in-law, Faye Curtis; 14 grandchildren; and13 great-grandchildren. 

The family will receive friends on Saturday, February 28, 2026, from 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM with a funeral service held at 2:00 PM at McAlister-Smith Funeral Home in Goose Creek. The burial will follow at Whispering Pines Memorial Gardens in Moncks Corner, South Carolina. 

Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at mcalister-smith.com/. 

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to McAlister-Smith Funeral & Cremation, 869 St. James Avenue, Goose Creek, SC 29445, (843) 553-1511.