Willis Leroy Curtiss

Willis Leroy Curtiss, 88, of Ridgeway, VA, passed away on Monday, September 21, 2026, at the Woltz Hospice Home in Dobson, NC. Will “Bill” was born May 21, 1938, in Rahway, NJ to the late Willis V. Curtiss and Nettie Frey Curtiss.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Virginia Mikesell Curtiss, and his brother, Robert Curtiss.

He attended Jonathan Dayton High School in Springfield, NJ, and received his bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of Toledo in Ohio. He worked as an electrician and had his own business with his wife, Virginia, building and maintaining swimming pools for over 30 years. He lived in Mountainside, NJ until 2006 when he and his wife moved to Ridgeway, VA to retire on an 80 acre cow farm, and in addition, to a 60-acre hay farm.

Will enjoyed making many things as an engineer, woodworker, and welder. He loved his fully stocked workshops, but his biggest passion was cow farming and driving his tractor. He loved traveling out West with his camper truck, especially the family road trip from New Jersey to Alaska. He easily made friends wherever he went.

He is survived by his daughter, Denise Curtiss McWhorter, son-in-law, Ryan James McWhorter, brother Phillip Curtiss, nieces April Curtiss Dudley (Cory), Alison Curtiss, and Elizabeth Curtiss-Cabell (Jay), and nephews Westley Curtiss and Phillip Curtiss, and other family and friends.

The family will receive friends on Friday, September 25, 2026, from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM at Wright Funeral Service – Martinsville Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the Future Farmers of America, the Martinsville-Henry County SPCA, and food/Amazon donations to the Henry County, VA Animal Shelter.

Wright Funeral Service & Crematory is serving the family. Online condolences may be made at www.wrightfuneralservices.net.