urtis Hinson Jr., affectionately known as "Junior" by his family and those closest to him, was born in Miami, Florida, on January 3, 1957, to the late Curtis Hinson Sr. and Clara L. Hinson.

A proud Miami native, Curtis was an exceptional student throughout his years in Miami-Dade County Public Schools. Recognized as a scholar student, he excelled academically while demonstrating the discipline, perseverance, and leadership that would define his life. He graduated from Miami Jackson Senior High School as a member of the Class of 1975, where he proudly served as Head Drum Major. His love for music, leadership, and school spirit left a lasting impression on classmates and friends alike. Throughout his life, he maintained strong ties to his alma mater through his involvement with the Miami Jackson Alumni Association.

Following graduation, Curtis answered the call to serve his country. Curtis loved the military and deeply loved the United States of America. Serving his nation was more than a profession—it was a calling that he embraced with honor, pride, and dedication for nearly four decades.

He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1975 and served honorably until 1981. He later continued his military career in the United States Army, serving from 1982 until his retirement in 2015 with the rank of Master Sergeant \(MSG/E\-8\), Promotable to Sergeant Major \(E\-9\). Throughout his distinguished military career, Curtis served in multiple specialties, including 71L Administrative Specialist, 92A Automated Logistical Specialist, and 55A Ammunition Officer. He earned the respect and admiration of fellow Soldiers and leaders through his professionalism, integrity, leadership, and unwavering commitment to mission accomplishment.

During his military career, Curtis proudly served during Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm, as well as Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom in support of the Global War on Terrorism. His decades of faithful service reflected his devotion to duty, honor, country, and the men and women with whom he served.

Throughout his military career, Curtis received numerous awards and decorations recognizing his exceptional service and leadership. Among his most notable honors were the Meritorious Service Medal; Army Commendation Medal; Army Achievement Medal; Army Good Conduct Medal; Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal ; National Defense Service Medal; Southwest Asia Service Medal; Armed Forces Reserve Medal with "M" Device; Armed Forces Service Medal; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Kuwait Liberation Medal Saudi Arabia; and Kuwait Liberation Medal Kuwait. These awards stand as a testament to his dedication, sacrifice, and distinguished service to the United States of America.

In addition to his military service, Curtis devoted more than thirty-five years to the United States Postal Service. Beginning his career in July 1979 as a Postal Clerk, he steadily advanced through the ranks and ultimately retired as a Post Manager in 2014. Throughout his postal career, he also faithfully served as a Union Shop Steward, advocating for and supporting his fellow employees while ensuring fairness and accountability in the workplace. His coworkers knew him as a dependable leader, trusted mentor, and loyal friend whose work ethic, integrity, and dedication never wavered.

Believing that education was a lifelong pursuit, Curtis continued his studies while balancing family, military service, and professional responsibilities. Through determination and perseverance, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Liberty University on November 13, 2008, an accomplishment of which he was deeply proud. His commitment to learning reflected his belief in personal growth, leadership, and serving others.

While Curtis achieved many accomplishments throughout his life, his greatest joy was his family. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, mentor, and friend whose wisdom, guidance, and unwavering support shaped the lives of those he loved. He treasured family gatherings, celebrated the achievements of others, and found immense joy in spending time with his children and grandchildren.

Curtis had a lifelong love for music. Whether listening to his favorite songs, sharing stories, or reflecting on cherished memories, music brought him joy throughout his life. Yet even more than music, Curtis loved his family. They were his greatest blessing and the source of his greatest pride.

Faith was an important part of Curtis's life, and in his final days, he found peace and comfort in his relationship with God. On April 30, 2026, Curtis rededicated his life to Jesus Christ and gave his life back to the Lord with his son by his side. This sacred moment brought great comfort to him and his family and stands as a lasting testimony to God's grace, mercy, and unfailing love.

On June 17, 2026, Curtis answered the Master's call and entered into eternal rest. Though his physical presence will be deeply missed, his legacy of service, faith, love, and devotion will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife,  children, nephews who were like his sons, stepchildren, grandchildren, siblings, nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, friends, military brothers and sisters, postal colleagues, and many loved ones whose lives were enriched by his presence.

Curtis lived a life defined by service, sacrifice, integrity, faith, and love. He touched countless lives through his military service, professional career, mentorship, friendship, and unwavering devotion to family. His memory will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew him, and his legacy will continue through the generations that follow.

"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith."
— 2 Timothy 4:7 KJV