WEEMS—Curtis Ellery Kellum, 84, of Weems passed peacefully on Sunday, July 22, 2018.
Curtis was born March 6, 1934, and lived his entire life in Weems. He was a lifelong member, deacon and trustee of Claybrook Baptist Church in Weems where he faithfully attended until his health failed three weeks ago.
He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Lois Sauer Kellum; a daughter, Barbara K. Thomas and her husband, Kevin; and a son, James Curtis “Jimmy” Kellum and his wife, Brenda. He had four grandchildren, Katie M. Lamkin and her husband, Robbie; Erin K. Gutknecht and her husband, Rob; Megan M. Sickles and her husband, Page; and James Ross Kellum and his wife, Elizabeth. He also had nine great-grandchildren, Emma, Kelsey, Easton, Allison, Riley, Leah, Brianna, Ellery and Piper.
He is also survived by two brothers, Joe and Bill Kellum; and two sisters, Bert Bryant and Debbie Hardwick.
He was predeceased by his parents, Ellery and Rubinette Kellum; and a brother, James Hathaway Kellum.
Curtis helped his father start Kellum Seafood in 1948. In 1967, Curtis became vice president of W. Ellery Kellum, Inc. and held that position until the time of his father’s death in 1978, when he became president. He remained president until his retirement in 1993. After his retirement, he worked with his son to establish Ocean Bait, Inc., a menhaden fishing company.
Over the years, he and Lois were fortunate enough to travel extensively in this country and abroad.
Curtis was an avid collector of seafood memorabilia. He was known as “Tin Man” for his extensive collection of oyster cans. He spent many years “picking” oyster cans and collectibles over many states and made many fine friends.
Curtis faithfully joined friends at McDonalds for breakfast and/or lunch daily. They were a close-knit group, who supported one another through thick and thin. He missed them when he was unable to join them.
The funeral service was held on Wednesday, July 25, at Claybrook Baptist Church, 2292 Weems Road, Weems.
Soloist was Herbert “Big Boy” Blake. Pallbearers were Broaddus Blake, Jeff Kellum, Thomas Kellum, Tommy Kellum, Carroll Whay Sr. and Carroll Whay Jr. Honorary pallbearers were Lester Brent, Benny Hill, Gary Hodges, Rocky Mattingly, Roger Parks and Andrew Simmons.
Visitation was held from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, July 24, at the Currie Funeral Home in Kilmarnock.
Memorial contributions may be made to Claybrook Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, P.O. Box 15, Weems, VA 22576.
