Ulysses Curtis

his residence with his family by his side. He was born May 10, 1926 to Will and Frances

(Hall) Curtis in Albion, Michigan. He married Catherine (Williams) in 1949 in Winter Garden, Florida

at her mother’s home.

Curtis graduated from Albion High School in 1944, while in high school, he was active in basketball, baseball and

winning All-Conference honors in basketball. He was drafted into the

U.S. Navy and served his country from 1944 to 1946. He was encouraged to go to

Florida A & M by his brother who wanted him to try out for the football

team, and with the help of great coaches he was taught the fundamentals, and with

hard work and determination he mastered the sport, in 1948 and 1949 he was

named an All-American. As captain of the All-SIAC (Southern Inter-Collegiate

Athletic Conference) in 1948 and scored a total of 17 touchdowns to lead all

black college scorers. Curtis was offered a contract with the Toronto Argonauts, the

Canadian professional football team and he accepted.

In 1954, Curtis put down his #81 jersey and retired from professional football.

After retiring he taught in the Toronto school system for over 30 years. He

taught Geography, History, Physical Education and was a Guidance Counselor,

he retired from teaching in 1990.

Curtis is survived by:

Wife- Catherine Curtis of Toronto, Ontario and their children

Warren Curtis and Carol Curtis both of Toronto and Sylvia Curtis of Mississauga

Daughter Rosie Chatman of North Port, NY from a previous marriage

(5) Grandchildren

Sister- Gertrude Barting of Albion

Brother- Dr. James Curtis of Albion

Sister-in-law- Essie Curtis of Albion

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Tom, William and John; sisters

Lucille Tucker and Mary Williams.

Visitation for family and friends will be Sunday, October 13, 2013 from 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM at the J. Kevin Tidd Funeral Home, 811 Finely Drive, Albion, Michigan 49224. Funeral Service will be Monday, October 14, 2013 at 11:00 AM at Macedonia Baptist Church, 1010 Chauncey Street, Albion, Michigan 49224 with Pastor Steve Williams officiating. Family H our will take place at 10:00 AM prior to the service. Interment will be at Riverside Cemetery, Albion.