Gregory Pierce Curtice

Gregory Pierce Curtice, 61, of Roanoke, departed this life peacefully late in the afternoon of June 16th, 2021, and this world instantly became a far less interesting place. He was born in Leesburg, Virginia and attended McLean High School. He graduated Bridgewater College, class of 1983, and was a four year member of the golf team there. Greg continued to enjoy golf throughout his life, his play marked by booming drives, deadly accurate iron play and a wickedly effective putter. He was also an excellent basketball player, with his preferred shot being from the baseline. He was a softball pitcher as well, confounding hitters with pinpoint accuracy and varying pitch arcs, with occasional banter from the mound. Greg was an expert gardener and would likely have had a thriving garden if all you gave him was a concrete driveway as a plot of land. He always felt at home in the outdoors and deer season was a favorite time of the year for him, as much for the company as it was for the hunting. It must be said, however, that Greg had an uneasy relationship at best and an adversarial relationship at worst with reptiles, particularly snakes. He was also quite wary of the geese that inhabited ponds and golf courses, especially when they were protecting their young. It has been confirmed that he had several close calls with both throughout the years. These characteristics were at times used against him by his golf opponents, a situation which he found to be within the rules but clearly unfair. As far as sports is concerned, Greg was a lifelong fan of the Washington Redskins, the Atlanta Braves and the Maryland Terrapins. He was faithful and optimistic and at the beginning of each season could make a compelling case as to why THIS YEAR would be the one that would result in a victory in the Super Bowl / World Series / NCAA Basketball Championship. He believed that at the top of the Mormon Tabernacle was not the angel Gabriel with his horn but Dale Murphy with a bat, and one of his most special sports moments was seeing the Redskins' Dexter Manley knock Dallas Cowboys quarterback Danny White out stone cold in the game to decide the NFC East Champion in 1983. Greg had an easy laugh, a great sense of humor and thoroughly enjoyed music and spending time with friends. At restaurants, Greg was always good for a larger than normal tip, particularly when he was kind enough to fill out your credit card receipt because you forgot your glasses. Greg was preceded in death by his father, Carroll. He is survived by son, Ryan, mother, Patty, brother, Richard, niece, Ashley, and far too many friends to name or count. The funeral ceremony will be private.