Long-time Fannin EMS Captain David Wade Curtis passed on April 21, 2016. He had been sick since December and had spent much of the winter in the hospital.

Mr. Curtis started his career as a volunteer firefighter with McCaysville City Fire Department in 1982.  In 1985, he completed his EMT training and began working for Copper Basin Medical Center as well as continuing volunteering with McCaysville Fire Department.  In 1986, he began working as an EMT at the Blue Ridge Station.  The next year, after completing training, he was promoted to Paramedic with Fannin County EMS where he has worked for 30 years.  “Fannin County was fortunate to have had such a dedicated paramedic and firefighter.  He saved countless lives and property during his career both as a medic and firefighter,” says Robert Graham, Fannin County Emergency Medical Services Director.

Mr. Curtis was a member of McCaysville Church of God.  In addition to serving the people of Fannin County in emergency situations, Mr. Curtis and his sons also ran Curtis’ Garage in Epworth, GA.

He is survived by sons and daughter-in-law, Josh and Ashley Curtis and Matt Curtis, all of Epworth; brother and sister-in-law, Donald and Cheryl Curtis of Epworth; sister, Virginia Curtis of Blue Ridge; beloved girlfriend, Trish Bailey of Ellijay; grandchild, Ava Ann Curtis; aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews. Mr. Curtis was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth Ann Deal Curtis and his parents, Floy and Wade Curtis.

Funeral services will be conducted Saturday, April 23, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. at the McCaysville Church of God with Rev. Steve Lamb and Rev. Chris Taylor officiating. Music will be by Danny Rhodes and Valorie Taylor. Pallbearers will be Kenny Stuart, Ken Stuart, Spencer Kitchens, Mark Keaton, Robert Graham, Darrell Payne, Jonathan Curtis, and Jeremy Curtis. Honorary escort will be the Fannin County Fire and E.M.S. Interment will follow in Tumbling Creek Cemetery with the Fireman’s Last Call provided by the Fannin County Fire Department. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Friday evening from 4:00-9:00 p.m.

Donations in memory of Mr. Curtis may be made to the Fannin County Fire Department 342 W. Main Street Blue Ridge, GA 30513. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.akinsfuneralhome.com. Akins Funeral Home of Blue Ridge is in charge of arrangements.