Curtis Orman

Curtis Orman, life-long resident of West Point, died April 28, 2013 after an extended illness. He was 87 years old. From being reared on a farm, to singing on a Navy ship while serving in the US Navy, to doing maintenance in West Point at Babcock and Wilcox, to traveling as a representative for the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, Iron Ship Builders, Blacksmiths, Forgers & Helpers AFL-CIO; those who knew Mr. Curtis, as he was known, knew him as one who worked tirelessly, a man of principles, and one who really never retired! On his farm he spent most of his time attending to the pecan trees he had 'grafted' with samplings from across the southeast. One might allot a good two hours if you got him talking about these trees and where each of the graphs originated. A walking tour of the trees will find small copper wires around the limbs along with a metal tag identifying the specific pecan for that specific limb. Some trees would have multiple types of pecans. Mr. Curtis loved his family. He was proud of all of them. His oldest son, Roger (Patti), is an Associate Executive Director of the South Carolina Baptist Convention and his youngest son, David (Melissa), built a business from the shades of a big tree as a welder of logging trucks to a large company where he continues as the owner and CEO of Orman's Welding located in West Point. Many of the family work in the family business. His daughters, Debbie Lofton (Andy), in addition to the family business is an advocate for autism -working hard to bring about awareness, and Bonnie Salmon (Mike) lives nearby, taking on projects that provide assistance with the family. He always had a smile and a song for his 12 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. Curtis and his wife, Virginia, married 60 years are both members of Calvary Baptist Church, where she sings in the choir and enjoys "Joy Club" outings. Born into a large family, Mr. Curtis has a brother, Charles Orman of West Point, MS and a sister, Irene Tiffin of Easley, SC, still living. Their siblings Earnest, James, Francis, Earlene and Preston and their parents, Clarence and Maybell Blake Orman, have preceded him in death. From great accomplishments to tragedies like the death of his son-in-law, Andy Lofton and his grandson, Jess Lofton, Curtis Orman has provided stability and strength to his family. The dark days of losing a son, Marty, many years ago to a tragic accident, to today have been weeks, months, and years in the journey of life. Now the earthly journey is over. No more sorrow, no more pain, no more dementia. Mr. Curtis' family will receive friends from 10 a.m. until noon on April 30 at Calvary Baptist Church and then a memorial service will follow immediately with internment at the Greenwood Cemetery in West Point. Robinson Funeral home is handling the arrangements. His pallbearers will be his grandchildren and husbands of his grandchildren: Perry Orman of Columbia, SC, Chris Orman of Warner Robbins, GA, Kevin Price of Columbus, MS, Reagan Lewis of Cedar Bluff, MS, Josh Williams of Wake Forest, NC, and Byron Smith of West Point, MS. Honorary pallbearers are the employees of Orman's Welding, who were so good to Mr. Orman as his health failed. In lieu of flowers, the family requests a contribution be made in his honor to the Sally Kate Winters Home PO Box 1233, West Point, MS 39773.