DR. RUSSELL “BUD” LLOYD CURTIS, JR., at the age of 80, passed away peacefully Sunday morning, November 18, 2018 in Houston, Texas. He was born in Elkins, West Virginia on March 6, 1938 and was the eldest child of Russell Lloyd Curtis, Sr. and Pauline Enlow Curtis.
Russell graduated in 1956 from Beverly High School, West Virginia. His personal commitment to education led him to earn the following degrees: B.A. at West Virginia University; M.A. at Kent State University and Ph.D. at the University of North Carolina. In the fall of 1968, he had his first teaching job as Assistant Professor of Sociology at the University of Texas in Austin. In 1974, Dr. Curtis moved to Houston, Texas and became Assistant Professor of Sociology at the University of Houston. During his career, Dr. Curtis taught many courses, which included: Alcoholism, Addiction, and Recovery, Introduction to Sociology and Sociology of Sports; conducted research on criminal justice settings, social movements and collective behavior; authored publications on social change, substance abuse and sports films; and was affiliated with numerous organizations including the American Sociological Association and Society for the Study of Social Problems. After 41 years, Dr. Curtis retired as full professor from the University of Houston in 2015. In May, 2016 he was appointed Professor Emeritus by the UH System Board of Regents.
Russell was a devoted father and loving grandfather. He is survived by his four children and their families: Matthew Austin Curtis and Yvette Pella Curtis, Austin and Ryan “Jazz” Curtis, Brandon Cassanova, Austin and Luke Pella of New Braunfels, Texas; Mark Andrew Curtis and Sondra Primeaux, Chloe Curtis and Max Primeaux of Austin, Texas; Cristina Elisabet Curtis Barbe and James Barbe, Henry and Elizabeth “Blake” Barbe of Dallas, Texas; and his youngest son and Houston native, Nathaniel “Caleb” Curtis. Russell is also survived by his sister, Delaine Curtis Furst and brother, Thomas Enlow Curtis whom reside in Vero Beach, Florida along with his two nieces, Stephanie Harmody and Dr. Christina Namvar and their families.
Throughout his life, Russell prioritized his family and friends. He was a close friend and advisor to many in Alcoholics Anonymous and worked continuously on his own sobriety over the past 31 years. Russell enjoyed hosting meetings at his home in the Heights, had a passion for writing poetry, would discuss politics at great length, enjoyed live music, and proudly supported the Houston Cougars and the University of Houston Athletic Department.
Special thanks and gratitude to his dear friend, Steven Whitney and Erin Bolin who remained by Russell’s side to oversee his care.
A Memorial Service will take place at one o’clock until four o’clock in the afternoon on Saturday, December 1, 2018 at Bradshaw-Carter Memorial & Funeral Services, 1734 W. Alabama St., Houston, TX 77098.