He was born on June 7, 1925 in Brown City, Michigan to Olive Krampien and Edmund John Curson. Wilmer was the youngest of 4 children, which earned him the nickname “Babe.” During most of his adult life Wilmer went by his middle name Ray.
He was married to his wife of over 62 years, Vivian Bee Curson (née Grafton) on August 29, 1953 in Flint, Michigan. She preceded him in death on March 29, 2016.
Ray enjoyed growing up with his 3 brothers Kenneth, Delford, and Lester, and his cousin Elaine Smith (née Krampien). His brothers all preceded him in death. Ray attended Brown City High School where he played on the varsity basketball team and graduated in June 1943.
After graduating from Brown City High School he immediately enlisted in the United States Navy. He served during World War II as an Aviation Ordnanceman Turret Specialist 2nd Class. His initial entry training was conducted at the Farragut Naval Training Station located in Farragut, Idaho. He went on to attend the Naval Aircraft Turret Maintenance Course at the Naval Training School Norman located at Norman, Oklahoma, then the Naval School for Aircraft Maintenance at the Naval Training School Jacksonville, located at Jacksonville, Florida. He served with Headquarters Squadron, Flight Air Wing 16 (HEDRON FAW 16) at the US Naval Airfield Natal, located in Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil during the last year of the war. His final assignment was at the Naval Training and Distribution Center located on Treasure Island near San Francisco, California before being honorably discharged at Great Lakes Naval Training Center, Illinois in April 1946.
After World War II Ray attended Flint Junior College where he majored in accounting and met his future bride Vivian Grafton. Together they raised their family in a new house on Risedorph Ave. in Flint, Michigan, where they lived for over 60 years. He retired from the Buick Motor Division of General Motors Corporation in Flint, Michigan in 1980 after serving over 25 years in the telecontrol office at Factory 20; the Foundry of the former Buick City complex.
He is survived by three grown children: Elizabeth Dawn Price (née Curson) living in Boca Raton, Florida and her husband Curtis Price. Brian Ray Curson, living in Detroit, Michigan and his wife Pamela Curson (née Sterling). Diana Lynne Curson, living in South Lyon, Michigan and her husband retired Army Brig. Gen. Mark A. Montjar. He is also survived by one granddaughter Angela Sterling, and one great granddaughter Breja’ Sterling.
Wilmer Ray Curson received funeral honors and was interred at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly, Michigan.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are appreciated to the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan.
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