UTICA — Jessie Ray Curtis Sr., 78, of Utica, passed away April 4, 2015, at Merit Health River Region Hospital.

He was employed by the USDA and was also a self-employed cattle farmer.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Alston Lamar Curtis and Florence Davis Curtis; one sister, Dorothy Curtis Skates; three brothers, L.C., Reginald and Clyde Curtis.

He is survived by his wife, Ruth Curtis; one brother, Billy Curtis; five sisters, Edith Dreher, Verna Lewis, Margie Strong, Bobbie Dungan and Shirley Curtis; three children, Pam Miller, Ray Curtis and Steve Curtis; two grandchildren, Chris Hubbard and Tommi Jo Miller; and three great-grandchildren, Caley Hubbard, Logan Hubbard and Jessa Hubbard.

Funeral will be Tuesday, April 7, 2015, at Glenwood Funeral Home in Utica, with the service at 11a.m. with the Rev. Marvin Curtis officiating.

Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until the hour of service. Burial will follow at Utica Cemetery in Utica under the direction of Glenwood Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be Bill Dreher, Don Curtis, Charles Curtis, Ray Skates, Edward Wilson, Trent Curtis, Jerry Strong, Argle Pennington and Herald Dungan. Honorary pallbearers will be Brett Mitchell and Barry Skates.