Mr. Curtis Nathaniel Spells

Curtis Nathaniel Spells, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle, cousin, and community pillar, passed away peacefully at the age of 95 on Thursday, November 21, 2024, at Lexington Medical Center. A longtime resident of Columbia, South Carolina, Curtis was born on July 13, 1929, near Bowman, South Carolina, as the ninth of ten children to Douglas and Merchie Kelley Spells. Curtis grew up on the family farm, where he developed a strong work ethic that defined his character throughout his life. Raised in the Methodist faith, he joined St. Stephen Methodist Episcopal Church at an early age. Curtis attended Orangeburg County public schools and graduated from Murray-Rosenwald School. As a young man, he enjoyed playing baseball, a passion he carried into adulthood. On December 24, 1949, Curtis married the love of his life, Rhodia Mae Felder, daughter of Cornelius and Rosa Lee Davis Felder of Rowesville, South Carolina. The couple later settled in Columbia, where Curtis began a long and successful career in the transportation industry. He worked as a warehouseman and truck driver for Huckabee, Thurston, and Old Dominion Motor Trucking companies. Over their remarkable 75 years of marriage, Curtis and Rhodia built a beautiful family together, raising six children: Nathaniel “Nate,” Shiryl Dianne, Levarn "Jimmy," Betty Jean, Juanita, and Stuart Jerome. Curtis also extended his love and guidance to countless others, embodying the belief that family transcends bloodlines. A dedicated member of Wesley United Methodist Church since moving to Columbia, Curtis served faithfully in various capacities, including head usher, member of the Men’s Choir, Methodist Men, and Boy Scout troop leader. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed fishing, deer hunting, and spending time with family. His passion for baseball led him to play in the Negro Leagues during the Jim Crow era. In the 1950s, Curtis pitched for the Columbia Spinners and other local teams, showcasing his athletic talent and love for the game. Curtis was predeceased by his parents, siblings and youngest son, Stuart Jerome Spells. Survivors include his wife, Rhodia, Children Nathaniel (Marilyn) Spells Sr, Shiryl Diane (Leon Maxwell Jr) Morgan, Levarn Spells, Kenneth (Essence) Lewis, Betty Jean (Larry) Jones, and Juanita (Nealon Frank) Smith, nineteen grandchildren: Nathaniel (Laura Michele) Spells Jr, Michele Lynn Morgan, Leon Maxwell (Tasha) Morgan III, Levarn Spells Jr, Natasha (Thomas) Richmond, Ieshia Spells, Sean Crosby, Ebony Gibson, Ashley (Trey) Higgins, Kenorah Exspinger, Savannah Harris, Aiden Payne-Lewis , Kennedi Lewis, Carmen Sharia (Dallas) Jordan, Brandon Eugene Dreher, Nealon Frank Smith II, Tierra Nicole Smith, Morgan Alexandria Smith, Kristin Winfield, Kevin Mosely, Curtis Jerome Hudson, and Sturrica Jamilla Hudson; seventeen great-grands: Nathaniel Spells III, Kaitlyn Spells, Carter Kofi-Osei Harvey, Leon Maxwell Morgan IV, Miles Zander Morgan, Jennifer Spells, Isalina Richmond, Nicholas Richmond, Caitlyn Richmond, Egypt Spells, London Spells, Paris Spells, Kingston James Jordan, Aniya Maliah Devine, Qunizeya L. Goode, Zy’Kurion A. Winfield and Alaiya Hudson, one great-great grandchild: Miracle L.D. Goode and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Curtis’s legacy is one of love, dedication, and resilience. He was a role model to many and a father figure to all who knew him. His unwavering commitment to family and community will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to share in his remarkable journey.

Mr. Curtis Nathaniel Spells

July 13, 1929 - November 21, 2024