Curtis Richardson was born on July 30, 1925, the eldest of six children born to Curlee and Georgia (Wilkerson) Richardson; a humble, farming family residing in Naples, Texas. To that union were born five other children: Curlee Jr., Jerry Glen, Wade, Georgia Lou and Doris Jean all raised with an abundance of love.

When Curtis was about 14 years old tragedy struck the family when his father died of Tuberculous. Curtis became the "man of the house." He left home to support his family by joining the Civilian Conservation Corp (CCC Camp). Once he became old enough to enlist, he joined the U.S. Navy. He served as a Steward's Mate during World War II on the USS Golden City carrier ship. He had vivid memories of duty aboard ship, including Kamikaze bombers and near misses from torpedoes.

After completing his tour of naval duty, determined to complete his high school education, Curtis returned to George Washington Carver High School in Naples, Tx.. There he earned his high school diploma. Curtis continued his education at Prairie View A & M University, in Prairie View, Tx. where he earned a Bachelor's Degree in Sociology. He later attended the University of California (USC) to pursue a Master's Degree in administration.

While at Prairie View University, Curtis met the love of his life, the former Olevia Frances Boson. By all accounts, they were the "cutest couple on campus."  After graduation from Prairie View, Curtis set out for greater work opportunities in California. Olevia later followed him and the two were married on June 1, 1953 in Los Angeles, CA.  To that union was born one child, Diane Lynn, whom they loved and nurtured in the church. The couple were also surrogate parents to several nephews, Gregory, Matthew, Selwyn, Reginald and Darrell.

Curtis accepted a position with the Los Angeles County Probation Department where he worked for approximately 28 years. He culminated his career as a Supervising Probation Officer.  While there, he worked in nearly every unit with both youth and adults. He served on numerous committees and was a staunch advocate for employee rights as the elected Union Steward. Curtis had fond memories of the people with whom he worked and the many clients served. He was a compassionate Probation Officer in that, if he saw one of his youth clients out during dinner time, he generally invited them in for dinner; they were always accepted and treated as one of the family.

Curtis served in many community organizations including but not limited to: 70 plus years of service to St. James AME Church (Trustee Board pro tem and Emeritus, Choir President, Progressive Club President, Adult Sunday School teacher and Sunday School Superintendent), 46 Street Block Captain, Advisor to the Board of the Concerned Citizens of South Central, Retired Employees of LA County (RELAC), Prairie View Alumni Association (Los Angeles Chapter) since 1956 (Chaplain, Parliamentarian, Recruiter,  Distinguished Service Award winner), Member of the Breakfast Club of Retired County Probation Officers, Promise Keepers and Travis Air Force Base Chapel.  He was a supporter of numerous national organizations including the NAACP, Southern Poverty Law Center, USC Norris Cancer Research and many more.

Curtis was an avid reader. He loved to dance and he sang a mean bass.  When able he participated in regular aerobic exercise, including water aerobics. He loved chocolate everything and playing dominoes. If he should lose a game, you would hear him say with a grin, "somebody is going to have to pay for this…".   His attitude was always one of thankfulness and his life could be summed up by the gospel song "If I Can Help Somebody" as I pass along, then my living shall not be in vain.

Curtis passed away peacefully in his sleep on February 27, 2024. He is predeceased by his parents, siblings, loving wife, and nephews he parented: Reginald Lewis, Gregory Lewis, Darrell Richardson, and Matthew Lewis.

Curtis is survived by: daughter, Diane Crosley-Mayers (Robert Jr.), Nephew, Selwyn Lewis (Sonja) Grandchildren: Hillary Crosley-Coker (Lemu), Justin Smith, (God-Grandson), Lizzette Richardson, Danesah Pinkerd, Michelle Mayers Cousar, Rachel Mayers Gonzalez (Juan), Rana Mayers, Robert Mayers III (Sarah); Great grandchildren: Carmenada Canete-Shirey, Kent Mayers, Jordan Sullivan (Heidi), Alejandro Gonzalez, Lucian Mayers-Viseroi, DeVaughn Smith, Mason Mayers, Nadiya Ruiz, Ava Lippert, Zoe Mayers, Kinty Coker, Hilton Coker, Ayden Smith (God Great Grandson) and a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins and great grandchildren.