Obituary

Born on November 22, 1946 in Ingleside, Texas, Curtis Carter, Jr. was the oldest of seven siblings born to his parents Marguerite Charleston Carter and Curtis Carter, Sr..   The family travelled north, eventually settling in Elizabeth, New Jersey where his childhood was spent.

He left high school early to work to help support his mother and siblings.  1964 was an eventful year for Curtis.  In September, 1964 at the age of 17 he enlisted in the army and on October 23, 1964 his daughter Scharron was born to him and Roslyn Little. 

Curtis began his adulthood in the military and would often say that “he grew up” in Viet Nam and that he earned his degree from “The University of South Viet Nam” as a member of the 101st Airborne.  In 1966, while still in the military, he married Roslyn, and in 1968 they became a family of four with the birth of their son, Sean.  Curtis completed his last tour and left the military in 1971 after earning several commendations and also his high school equivalency diploma.  But like many Viet Nam veterans, the experience took a toll on him.  Behind his bravado, he suffered from severe PTSD which influenced many of his life choices. 

He was known for his big smile, big dreams and big schemes – all while being impeccably dressed.  His good looks got him into places, and over time, his dream of pursuing a career in law changed to pursuing a career in Hollywood.  In 1976, he moved to California to pursue that dream.  Donna Neely accompanied him, and there they created a life for themselves until her death on May 29th, 2006.

Since that time, Curtis earned an Associate’s Degree in the Arts from the Los Angeles Film School, created a media company (Dragonsmilk Productions), and directed short films while navigating significant health issues.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Donna, his mother, Marguerite, father Curtis Sr. and siblings Charles, Calvin and Joanne. He is survived by his children, Scharron (Ronni) and Sean; grandchildren John Cameron, Kyla Nicole and Devon Jolly Houston; sisters Jacqueline Carter, Janice Constant, and Janet Besson, longtime companion De Loris Vaughn, her granddaughter Briana Vaughn and great granddaughter Zariah Dozier. A host of family and friends also join in mourning his passing.

Lovingly Submitted,

The Family