Frank Curtis Fay

Frank Curtis “Curt” Fay, 88, passed away peacefully with his family at his side on November 13, 2013. For the past sixteen years, Curt’s home has been Olive Branch, Mississippi. Prior to that time, he lived in Memphis, Tennessee. If you knew Curt, you will remember his servant’s heart, strong integrity, and kind words for all.

Curt is survived by his wife, Jean Wilkinson Fay, son Michael Delos Fay and his wife Cathy Cowell Fay of Germantown, TN, daughters Suzanne Fay Hosford and her husband Marty Hosford of Collierville, TN, and Sarabeth Fay Mayo and her husband Buddy Mayo of Knoxville, TN; as well as his grandchildren Samantha Marie Starks, Holly Sarah Hosford, Morgan Margurite Mayo, Michael Curtis Fay, and William Edgar Mayo.

Curt was born in Tarkio, Missouri on July 2, 1925, to Harry Delos Fay and Myrtle Sarah Hurst Fay. He went on to attend Tarkio College, from which he graduated in 1949 with a business degree. Curt worked diligently in the wholesale paint and wallpaper industry for his entire career, retiring from Berndson-Jones in 1989.

Curt’s priorities in his life were his faith, family, and friends. He was a lifelong Methodist. Prior to joining Maples Memorial United Methodist Church in Olive Branch, Mississippi, he worshipped at Asbury United Methodist Church in Memphis, TN, for thirty years. Curt sang beautifully in various choirs, both inside and outside of the church sanctuary, throughout his life. If you were lucky, he would treat you to an early morning rendition of “Happy Birthday” on your special day.

Curt was a loving husband to Jean throughout their 63-year marriage. With his characteristic quiet strength, he raised his children to love the Lord and love others. Later, his grandchildren would affectionately call him “Pop” after the homemade “popped corn” he made almost every night.

Curt was an avid golfer, famous for a hole-in-one that was heralded in the Desoto Appeal. He was also accomplished in tennis, football, and basketball throughout high school and college. Curt flew forty-three missions as a tail-gunner for the United States Air Force in the Pacific in World War II. The B 24 that Curt’s crew piloted served as the lead plane on the “Return of the Daylight” mission in the Philippines. Later in life, he was blessed to be able to serve as a tour guide for the “Memphis Belle,” which was one of the planes he flew on.

A service celebrating Curt’s life will be held at 3 PM on Sunday, November 17, 2013, at Maples Memorial United Methodist Church, 8745 Goodman Road, Olive Branch, Mississippi 38654. There will be a visitation from 2-3 PM on Sunday prior to the service. The service will be officiated by Reverend John Sudduth. The family will receive friends at a reception following the service. The burial will follow on Tuesday, November 19, 2013, at 10:15 AM at West Tennessee Veterans Cemetery. I lieu of flowers, Memorials may be made to Maples Memorial United Methodist Church, 8745 Goodman Road, Olive Branch, Mississippi 38654, (662) 895-2279.