Asheville native son Thomas Wolfe gets credit for the expression, “You can’t go home again.” The famed author never spoke for Dr. Thomas Benjamin Curtis P’81, P’88.
“Doc,” as he was affectionately known around campus, began a 50-year teaching career in World Languages, Philosophy, and Literature at Christ School in 1963. He stayed just three years, developing an affinity for the school that led to his return in 1973. Doc would go on to teach another 11 years here, including one as a Fulbright exchange teacher in Germany.
Doc Curtis passed away peacefully on May 22, with his loving wife of 40 years, Sandra, by his side at their home on Lake Santa Fe in Keystone Heights, Florida. He was 86.
Along with Sandra, Doc is survived by three sons, two of which are Christ School alumni – Tom ’81 (Mary Ann), Philip ’88, and Augie (Zina) – many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, as well as his stepson, Jeff Hyde, and his first wife, Hermeine.
Greenies still recall Doc for bringing out their best as an English, History, and World Languages instructor (specializing in German and Latin). His leadership laid the framework for the golf program in its early years. He also coached football and soccer, as well as directing in the Drama Department.
Doc ultimately left his faculty position at Christ School in 1984, and in ensuing years, was proud to see how far the campus had come. He visited Arden as recently as the summer of 2019, pausing his tour to take a picture in front of Wetmore Hall.
Doc’s two stints at Christ School were separated by postgraduate studies at UNC-Chapel Hill – where he received his M.A. and Ph.D. He also served with the faculty at the University of Tennessee and Westminster School in Atlanta before retiring from education in 2014. Doc’s love for ancient history never abated though, and he authored five books in his life related to notable figures and events from antiquity.
“Tom’s kindness, warmth, and humanity will be remembered by all who knew him,” his obituary reads.
“He was loving by nature and civilized in the most authentic meaning of the word, as he sought out the good in everyone he knew and found it without fail.”
A Celebration of Life is planned for June 21 at the Curtis family home in Florida. Those who wish to attend are asked to send an email to thomasbcurtis4@gmail.com to receive more information and RSVP. In lieu of flowers, it was Doc’s wish that donations be made to the Doc Curtis Scholarship Fund at Christ School.
Please select “other” under designation and enter “The Doc Curtis Scholarship Fund” when donating online. Gifts may also be mailed to the attention of the Christ School Advancement Office at 500 Christ School Road, Arden, N.C., 28704.
