CONLEY, Curtis Calvin

Curtis Calvin Conley went to be with his Savior, Jesus Christ in Heaven, on May 30, 2015 at Vibra Hospital, in Springfield, IL. He was born on June 29, 1945, in Pembroke, Virginia, the son Ervin and Mary Sue Conley. He leaves behind—not to mourn—but cherish his memory, his loving wife, Judy, of Decatur, his special little poodle, Pierre Garcon and their cats, Jasmine, Chloe and Sonny, all who put a smile on his face each and every day with their antics. Also are his sons Joe of Dalton City, Illinois, Jeff of Casper, Wyoming, and Greg Conley of Ohio, whose boyhood memories always held a special place in his heart. He loved his sons more than life itself. He leaves his dear brothers, Eddie Conley of Virginia, Gene (Lisa) Conley of West Virginia and his dear sisters Peggy Wright of West Virginia, Katie (Gary) Dunford of Maryland and Lila (Ed) Heck of West Virginia. He also leaves many cousins, nieces and nephews in Virginia, West Virginia and Illinois, plus close friends who “felt” like family. He had a variety of professions in his life, including electrical worker, millright in a foundry, wood working and carpentry, farm helper, and lastly, being an over-the-road driver for Spector Freight Company until 1983, retiring for medical for medical reasons. He gave his “all” at everything he tried. He loved mastering challenges before him and did in with an ever-positive and contagious attitude. His example of strength thru his illnesses was nothing less than inspiring to those who loved him and were close to him. He was considered by his wife, Judy, as her kindred spirit and special miracle from God. They enjoyed life together to the fullest with much laughter, and enjoyed helping people. Curt was always willing to lend a hand and go that extra mile for anyone in need. He was a great lover and believer in community spirit. He was a member of several local, civil and political organizations, one of them being the Red Cross of Macon County where he worked to send aid to our boys of Desert Storm. He assisted in the incorporation of the village of Long Creek and served as its Road Commissioner. He enjoyed fund raising and worked to help further Richland Community College in its early beginnings. He was instrumental in the formation of the International Bowhunter Organization, where he served as life time Board of Directors Member.  He was involved in the Decatur Archery Club and archery clubs in neighboring counties, winning state and national championships in archery several times over. He was a dedicated conservationist and outdoorsman and served on the board of Isaac Walton League in Decatur. Later, he was affiliated with the American Pool Players Association, serving as captain on several teams, a couple of which competed in tournaments in Las Vegas. Curt also served for a time on the Finance Committee at the Wesley United Methodist Church, where he and Judy enjoyed singing in the choir when they were able to do so. He was an avid sports fan, a good source of information and statistics on most sports. He was proud to have been official referee of Junior League Football and involved in Pop Warner Football events, both in Ohio and Illinois. He and Judy avidly followed Virginia Tech and Notre Dame football. Services to celebrate Curt’s life will be 10 a.m. Thursday, June 4, 2015, at Graceland Fairlawn Funeral Home. Visitation will be 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, June 3, 2015, at the funeral home. Burial will be in Boiling Springs Cemetery. Casual attire would suit Curt just fine.  Special thanks to Dr. Sheikh of Vibra Hospital, Dr. Theodore Addai and Gina of Prairie Cardiovascular and Dr. Kimberly Hannaken and her staff at St. Mary’s Hospital. Special thoughts and thanks to all the nurses who gave him such tender care. He is now reunited in heaven with his beloved “Granny Luca, “ his precious mother and father. Heaven just got a little more interesting. The family of Curtis Calvin Conley is being served by the Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home, 2091 N. Oakland Ave. Decatur, IL. Please view the online obituary, send condolences, and share memories at www.gracelandfairlawn.com.