Rountree

Curtis Blayne Rountree enjoyed 89 years as a loving father, husband, brother and friend. On April 25, 2016, he went to be with his Lord and Savior, leaving behind his daughters, Prissy, Cathy, Leslie and Anita. His remaining family and friends are a living testimony to his impact on this earth.

He was born April 9, 1927 in Marietta, Texas to the late Earl Wayne and Mable Shaddix Rountree. His mother and father owned a grocery store and were the parents of 10 children: Earl Wayne, Curtis, Pat, Joan, Frank, Gaynor, Kathryn, Joyce, Linda and Rex. Growing up during the Great Depression taught Curtis at an early age that family outweighs possessions. This lesson was evident in the way he lived and loved.

He married his first wife Mary Margaret Johnson Rountree on December 19, 1947. They had 3 children: Prissy, married to Ray Durrin of Lone Star, Texas; Cathy, married to Larry Williams of Lone Star, Texas; and Leslie Sloan of Lone Star, Texas. His 3 children blessed him with 10 grandchildren who lovingly call him Pepop: Brandon Turnage; Brent David Turnage, married to Marcee; Brandi Turnage, married to Tony; Brent Coley Turnage; Misty Baumgrotz, married to Shawn; Crystal Fitzgerald; Casey Williams; Chris Williams, married to Courtney; Rosie Cook; and Rex Ryan Jr. He was further blessed with 17 great-grandchildren: Laken Livingston and Skylar Williams; Bryce, Reece, and Braxton Turnage; Mackenzie Tellez; R.J. Greer; J.T., Madison, and Morgan Marlett; Daniel and Elizabeth Clark; Dylan and Haley Fitzgerald; Christopher Anderson, Addyson and Aidyn Williams; and Paula and Shawn Jr. Baumgrotz.

Curtis married Doris Landers Rountree on June 8, 1974 and gained 3 more children: Rhonda, Curtis and Anita Yarberry. Anita is married to Paul Wilson.

Curt became Pepop to 5 more grandchildren: Matt, Jyl, Amanda, Jeffrey, and Wendy. Curtis loved spending time with his children and grandchildren, and he most enjoyed rooting them on at ballgames, concerts and recitals. He also had 7 additional great-grandchildren: Samuel, Stephen, Paisley, Logan, Avery, Laney and Sawyer.

Curt worked various jobs throughout his life. After high school he started work for Shell Oil Company, and shortly after he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He served during World War II and was stationed in Okinawa. After his service in the military, he went to Texarkana Junior College where he obtained his Bachelor’s in Business Administration. After college he worked for Singer Sewing Machine Co. in Little Rock, AR. He was an excellent salesman; he once sold a sewing machine to a woman with no electricity. Curt returned to East Texas and started working at Terrell Motor Co. In September 1953 he made his final career move to Lone Star Steel where he worked every job from shipping clerk to design engineer. He retired in 1986 with 33 years’ service.

Curt was nothing short of a jack-of-all-trades and master of many. He did income tax returns, was in the home construction business, worked as a real estate agent, and everything in between. He also successfully ran a Bluegrass Hall in Lone Star, Texas for a number of years. Above all, Curt loved to be doing something, helping someone, or learning something new. His Pickin’ Place, the old Union Hall, was a great example of his ability to bring the community together for a good time.

Curtis Blayne Rountree was a living legend in Northeast Texas. He even called himself the “Grandfather of Lone Star” and received the “Citizen of the Year” award. He was an avid supporter of the Daingerfield Tigers, a mason, a hunter, a music lover, a businessman, a brother, a father, a grandfather and above all a friend. His legacy will live on through his family and friends, and his presence will be long missed by his community.