John Edward Curtis, 80, of Atoka, TN passed away peacefully in his sleep on October 4, 2014. He was born in Marrowbone, KY to Dewey and Pearl Curtis with eleven brothers and sisters. He was preceded in death by his wife Itsuko Yamanaka Curtis after 36 years of marriage. He was a career Navy Chief Petty Officer and retired in 1974 after 22 years of service. After retirement from the Navy, he worked in the private sector before going into the transportation industry where he worked 15 years for Consolidated Freightways and retired as a Teamster. John was always a very hard worker and instilled this trait in all his children. He is survived by five children, Terry Curtis (Kathy) of Searcy, AR, Ted Curtis (Cindy) of Cordova, TN, Nancy Thayer (Vic) of Bartlett, TN, Connie Wiggs of Atoka, TN and Mark Curtis of Atoka, TN; 11 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. In lieu of flowers and cards, the family asks that donations be made to the "Alzheimer''s Association". Visitation will be Tuesday October 7, 2014 at Northridge Woodhaven Funeral Home, 6755 Highway 51 N, Millington, TN from 12:00pm - 2:00 pm with services immediately following.