Clinton Austin Curtis

Clinton Austin Curtis, 83, passed away on September 21, 2015 after a long struggle with Parkinson’s disease. He was born in Albany, New York on August 09, 1932. After graduating from Vincentian Institute School, with the loving support of his beloved Aunt Katheryn Bradt, he entered the U.S. Air Force where he was stationed at the Bartow Air Field to receive flight training. While in Bartow, he met his future wife, the former Florence Carolina Senn. Florence and Clint married in Bartow in February 1953 and completed his enlistment while stationed in Texas. Clint studied for his undergraduate degrees at Syracuse University and Florida Southern College, then moved to St. Petersburg to attend Stetson College of Law school, graduating with a L.L.B. degree in 1958 and was admitted to the bar the same year.
Upon graduating, they moved to Bartow where Clint began practicing law and served as County Solicitor from 1960 to 1963.
Mr. Curtis was one of the original organizers of the Willson American Inn of Court, the Polk County Trial Lawyers Association, and the Polk County Criminal Defense Lawyers Association and served as president of each of the organizations. He is a fellow of the prestigious American College of Trial Lawyers and a sustaining member of The Academy of Florida Trial Lawyers.

In 1976 he argued the constitutionality of the death penalty before the United States Supreme Court.
In 1981 Clint was called upon by the Governor to serve as a Circuit Judge until 1982 when the love of the practice of law compelled him to return to private practice.
He practiced law at the firm of Peterson & Myers, in the Winter Haven and Lake Wales offices.
His love of the law was surpassed only by the strong faith he shared with the members of the First United Methodist Church in Lake Wales, serving as a Sunday school teacher for over 30 years.
He is survived by his wife of 63 years. The wise council and the values he instilled in all by his great example will be missed by his loving family, Deborah (William) Peery, Katheryn (Leslie) Dunson, Stephany (David) Alexander, Julie (Edwin) McMullen, Jennifer (Eugene Douglas) Logue, Stephany (Kyle) Cox, Scott Schaefer, Clinton Curtis (Carolina) Peery, Katheryn (William) Pyle, Rachel (Adam Borgia) Alexander and great-grandchildren, Vincent Curtis, Gabriela, Gary and Tripp.

The family would like to recognize the devoted loyalty shown by Teddie and Grady Singletary and the loving care provided by Arellio and Veronica Salanis, Camellia Grandados-Mojica and Precious Harvey.

Funeral service will be held 1:00 p.m. Friday, September 25, 2015 at the First United Methodist Church of Lake Wales with Rev. Jeffrey B. Kantz and Rev. Joanie Brawley officiating.

The family will receive friends following the services until 3:00 p.m. Committal service will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Good Shepherd Hospice, 105 Arneson Avenue, Auburndale, Florida 33823.

To view a webcast of this service please click on the following link: http://webcasts.lifetributes.com/633414