William McCurtis Jr.

William McCurtis, 86, of Waukegan, IL, passed away on February 4, 2026.

William was born on August 6, 1939, in Jefferson County, AL, the son of William McCurtis Sr. and Inez Baldwin. He graduated from Coffeeville High School and received technical certifications. In his younger years, he lived in various places like Alaska and Florida while his father served in the military. He then lived in Baton Rouge, LA, with his mother and later moved to Fairfield, AL, to live with his aunt and uncle. He returned to Clarke County, AL, where he met and married Clearetta Williams on July 11, 1959. Together they moved to Zion, IL, and lived with his uncle Melvin until settling in Waukegan, IL. William worked at Johnson Outboards for 41 years and at Stone Containers for 30 years. He then became a self-employed owner of rental property that he and his wife owned together. William loved to go shopping and knew how to bargain. He was handy and knew how to fix anything, and if he couldn't fix it, he learned how. He enjoyed going to concerts with his wife, attending Great Lakes drag races, and visiting casinos. He enjoyed attending his grandsons' sporting events and was a very social person. He often spent time grilling delicious BBQ food while listening to country, rock n' roll, and jazz music.

William is survived by his daughter, Angela McCurtis; grandson "son," Carlos Colon; loving sister Deborah Jossell, loving sister Karen McCurtis, loving sister Gail McCurtis; loving brother, Lester McCurtis; loving sister-in-law Betty McCurtis; and a host of cousins, uncles, aunts, and family.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Clearetta McCurtis; parents, William and Inez McCurtis Sr.; brothers, Michael McCurtis and Robert Johnson; sisters, Landra Evans, Janis Johnson, Sarah McCurtis, and Juanita McCurtis.

Visitation will be held on Friday, February 20, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., followed by a service at 11:00 a.m. at Congdon Funeral Home, 3012 Sheridan Rd., Zion, IL 60099. Burial will be private at Mt. Olivet Memorial Park in Zion, IL.

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