Curtis Franklin Prillaman

Curtis Franklin Prillaman of Rocky Mount, Virginia died Sunday, January 14, 2007 at his home. He was surrounded by his loving family. He was born January 20, 1918 in Callaway, Virginia the son of the late Rosa Hannah Jackson and Christian Monroe Prillaman. Curtis graduated from Ferrum Junior College and received a Bachelor’s degree from Emory and Henry College. He received a Masters degree from Peabody College and Vanderbuilt University. During World War II he served 4 years in the Army/Air Corps as a radio operator in the 16th Fighter Squadron securing the Panama Canal Zone. Curtis was a devoted and enthusiastic educator who impressed upon his students the importance of their education. As a principal he worked toward instilling the love of teaching to his colleagues. Curtis worked in Virginia Public Schools for 42 years with only being absent for illness one day. He served as principal/teacher of Jewel Ridge and Burkes Garden High School in Tazewell County, Virginia. Curtis was principal/teacher at Meadows of Dan High School. He was the first principal of the current Rocky Mount Elementary School serving there for 19 years until his retirement in 1983. After which he and his wife traveled extensively. For 42 years he was a faithful member of Rocky Mount United Methodist Church serving on numerous committees and was a member of the United Methodist Men. He was also a member of the Rocky Mount Lions Club. Curtis and Eva enjoyed their square dancing years with the Franklin Squares and The Grand Squares of Roanoke, Virginia. He was an avid gardener and sports enthusiast particularly of local high school and college teams. In addition to his mother and father he was preceded in death by his sisters and brothers, Ethel and Cary Prillaman; Harry Prillaman; Raymond and Vivian Elgin Prillaman; Inez and Jim Rodgers; Norwood Prillaman and Russell Prillaman. Curtis will be deeply missed by his wife and companion of 60 years Eva Coleman Prillaman. His special “Pocos”, his little angel, granddaughter McKenzie. He is also survived by his loving children, Ronald and wife Norma; Faye and daughter McKenzie; Charles; Emily; Darrell and fiancée Chelly Richards, special friends of the children Parker Jennings and Stephen E. Johnson. Also surviving are sisters-in-law Virgie Elgin Prillaman; Nedra Adcock Prillaman; and Norma Parcell Prillaman; and many special nieces, nephews, and their families. The family gives gratitude to those special neighbors and friends including David and Anne Jamison who have assisted us during this difficult time. In addition to Sandy, Martha and Karen of Carilion Hospice Services of Franklin County, a special thanks to Dr. Heath, Dr. Keeley, Dr. Jack Bumgardner and their staffs. Funeral services will be conducted from Rocky Mount United Methodist Church 2:00 p.m. Thursday with Rev. Robert Edwards officiating. Interment will follow in Franklin Memorial Park. The family has requested that memorials may be made to Rocky Mount United Methodist Church, 35 North Main Street, Rocky Mount, VA 24151 or Rocky Mount Fire Department, 1250 North Main Street, Rocky Mount, VA 24151. Friends may call after 3 p.m. Wednesday with his family receiving friends from 6 – 8 p.m. at Flora Funeral Service, 665 South Main Street, Rocky Mount.