Curtis Tinsley Jr., affectionately known as "Papa," was born July 7, 1938, in Midway, Alabama. He was the son of the late Curley and Josephine Tinsley.  He received his education at the Macon County Training School in Alabama. In 1958 he enlisted in the United States Army and while there received his high school diploma. On April 30, 1959, while on leave he returned home to marry his high school sweetheart Helen Marie Foster. They had a marriage that stood the test of time. They were married for over 54 years, until her death. Their union brought forth three sons. After being discharged from the service, he moved his family to Jacksonville, Florida. From 1961 -1973, he was employed by Seaboard Railroad as train man. He worked for Gray's Security Service as a Captain on Blount Island for many years and then retired. After retirement he worked for Guardsmark Security Service until his final retirement at 78 years of age. During his employment, he received several rewards for his employment.  Curtis loved reading the Bible both at home and on his job. If you were around while he was reading it he was prone to ask you a question. You had to be ready for the discussion. Above all he was a family man. He took his role as a husband and father very serious. He truly believed if he could not provide for his family no other human could. He was a quiet man, and he lived his life as such. He was a man of few words, but his character spoke volumes. He was well loved, but more respected, by the many who knew him. He set a fine example for his sons to be men to work hard and take care of their families. As his grands, great grands, and great great grandchild were born he became a Gentler man. Curtis will be missed by many but the beautiful memories they made with him will live on.

Curtis is proceeded in death by his parents, Curley and Josephine Tinsley; spouse, Helen Marie Tinsley; son, Curtis Conrad Tinsley; brothers, Collins Tinsley, Joe Turner; sister, Clynell Tinsley-Page. Curtis is survived by and leaves to cherish his memories sons, Walter Tinsley (Lisa), Jeremy Tinsley (Carla); grandchildren, Andrea Tinsley, Shawn Tinsley, Walter Tinsley, Jr., Brittany Price; great grandchildren, Juvon Cottingham, Christopher Johnson, Tatiana Johnson, Curtis Westfield, Shawn Tinsley Jr., Alani Tinsley, Sha'Nyah Tinsley, Kiara Goodman, Kamren Baker, Kristopher Baker, Kaleb Baker; great great grandchild, Ma'Layah Johnson; brother, Walter Tinsley (Priscilla); sisters, Josephine Cobb, Louise (Jimmy); brother-in-law, Willie Dawkins (Janice); and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.