Curtis Roy Alexander, Sr. was born in Riverside, CA on April 22, 1956, the eighth of nine children of Montez Rebecca (McKenzie) and J. C. Alexander. Curtis’ family lived on two acres of land in Rubidoux, CA where they grew most of their fruits and vegetables, dug their own well and swimming pool, learned to fix almost anything, and were known for having the best food around because their family cooked everything from scratch. Their home was a place where everyone was welcome, and it was in this nurturing environment that his love for basketball, working on cars, gardening, baking, music, scripture, naturopathic healing and helping others in need was born. Curtis attended Ina Arbuckle Elementary and Mission Jr. High where he played trombone in the school band and lettered in both basketball and football. However, his intellect, talent, and generosity of spirit truly blossomed during his time at Rubidoux High School where he displayed academic excellence, was a popular athlete/baller, and a respected leader. 

 

After graduating from high school in 1974, Curtis studied Bio-Medical Engineering at the University of California (UCR), Riverside. Guided by a true desire for personal intimacy with Christ, Curtis prayed that God would order his steps towards the life that God predestined him to live. The next week the UCR program was defunded, and Curtis transferred to Oakwood College in Huntsville, Alabama where he majored in Biology as part of a pre-med program. He also sang in various musical groups such as the Distinctive Friends of Jesus. At Oakwood College Curtis learned to pray and heard the voice of the Lord for the first time. This began a lifelong faith journey of hearing God’s voice, walking with God, talking to God, and being led by God. 

 

During the summer following his sophomore year, Curtis heard the Lord tell him to join a group of students working as Literature Evangelists on a summer campaign in Los Angeles, CA. Having never done Literature Evangelism before, the leader, Earl Canson, assigned him to an experienced evangelist named Diana Denise Diamond. After three days of working with Diana, Curtis told her that the Lord said she would be his wife. Though Diana didn’t believe it at first, she came to realize that Curtis was “the one” for her, too. Curtis left Oakwood College and returned to California after his junior year to undergo knee surgery and Diana moved to California also. After two years of dating, they were wed on June 11, 1978, and began building their life together in Pasadena, CA. Curtis launched a successful career with Pacific Bell, beginning as a technical sales representative before working his way up to a management position. He and Diana eventually moved to Ontario CA, and following the birth of their sons Curtis, Jr. in 1982 and Kyle in 1984, they lived in Paramount, Carson, Rialto, Loma Linda, and finally settled in Redlands in 2006. 

 

Directed by God, emboldened by faith, and supported by Diana, Curtis retired from Pacific Bell. He then started several businesses, excelled in computer software sales, and taught computer classes to inner-city young adults. He later became a premier deep-tissue sports massage therapist where he utilized his gift of identifying and releasing pain on a multitude of individuals who attribute their physical healing to his gifted hands and emotional healing to his uplifting spirit.  Over the years, Curtis enjoyed working on the house and growing a garden of multiple fruit trees and vegetables, rebuilding classic cars, playing and coaching basketball, practicing martial arts, and honing his exceptional culinary skills. Curtis’ passion for construction and problem solving led him to building custom cabinetry, renovating homes and offices, adding a deck and a 1000 square foot addition to his own home, and even building a magnificent bridge over an orchestra pit for his son’s wedding at his daughter-in-law’s request. Curtis even learned to press and curl Diana’s hair and served as her personal hairdresser for many years. Curtis was naturally curious and talented, and he was always looking for a new adventure but, no matter what the task or activity at hand, he could almost always be heard singing joyfully at the top of his lungs.  Throughout his life, drawn by his shining spirit, people of all ages and walks of life would seek out Curtis’ guidance, wisdom and mentorship.

 

Curtis adored his wife, and he loved and supported her in remarkable ways that many sought to emulate.  One of his great joys was to surprise and lavish her at any opportunity and express his love in creative ways that made her feel special. For instance, when Diana first started working for the County of San Bernardino, Curtis arrived at her new job, wearing a suit, and holding a bouquet of flowers along with a brand-new dress. Having pre-arranged with her boss for Diana to have a shortened workday, Curtis swept her away to a local winery (for grape juice), dinner, and a performance of one of their favorite musicals “Jesus Christ Superstar.”  Curtis loved not only in word but in deed, as he actively endeavored to express his gratitude to God through loving on his bride. 

 

Curtis absolutely loved being a father and his joy was only multiplied when he and Diana decided to become foster parents to twin girls Amber (Okonji) and Ashley (Rivers). He was a loving and dedicated father and was extremely proud of his children and their accomplishments. Being a father also allowed him to recreate the open-door environment from his childhood home and welcome his children’s community of friends without exception. Family and friends often remarked that there was a constant flow of young people in their home, day and night, sleeping all over every floor and couch, and eating them out of house and home but Curtis never complained, and, in fact, he treasured it. When he became a grandfather, Curtis’ heart filled to overflowing. He could not talk about his grandchildren without flashing that million-dollar ear-to-ear smile. Frequent visits, outings and sleepovers with “Pops” made Curtis a constant presence in the lives of his grandchildren and served to remind them of how much he loved and cherished them. 

 

Curtis’ life was anchored and guided by his faith as a Seventh Day Adventist Christian at the Kansas Ave SDA Church in Riverside, CA. Later he and his family were active members of the Maranatha SDA Church in Inglewood; the Valley Fellowship SDA Church in Rialto; the Worship Company in Loma Linda; and finally, the Mt. Rubidoux SDA Church in Riverside. Over the years Curtis served in several church positions including Elder, Business Administrator, Treasurer, Choir and Praise Team member, Facilities Manager, Sabbath School teacher, and Sound Engineer. Curtis and Diana would frequently lift their voices in perfect harmony to sing powerfully moving duets at churches, weddings, banquets, funerals or other gatherings. They also assisted with starting several independent ministries including Perfect Peace, a cable television and radio ministry, a car club ministry, and their favorite ministry, Operation Sack Lunch (OSL). OSL was an interactive, community-building outreach to the homeless and underprivileged that offered food, clothing, preaching and family support that Curtis and Diana co-led with six of their best friends (“The Great Eight”) for over twenty-five years. Curtis’ willingness to personally connect with individuals in the community, outside of the ministry hours, cultivated relationships that continue to this day. 

 

Curtis made his final transition on February 10, 2023, in Loma Linda, CA, leaving his beloved wife, Diana, their children Curtis, Jr. (Kim), Kyle (Reesa), Amber (Justin), Ashley, and grandchildren Roya, Ella, Rhemy, Ezra and Ira to celebrate his life. He also leaves behind siblings Larry (Brenda), Alice, Ray (Rhona), Jean Anderson (Ron), Rita, Dennis (Jo), Tim (Sherrydon), and Sharyne (wife of his departed brother Jerry). Curtis was preceded in death by his parents, Montez Rebecca and J. C. Alexander, brother Jerry Alexander and nephew Julian Alexander.

 

Too numerous to count are the nieces, nephews, cousins, godchildren, friends and loved ones, whose lives were enriched by Curtis’ patience, generous spirit, whole-hearted hugs, helpful nature, and endless wisdom.