Edward Curtis Tally II

Edward Curtis Tally II was born on August 23, 1936, to Edward Curtis Tally and Faye Shofner Tally of Justin, Texas. Justin was home for all his days. Curtis planted deep roots in the land, the church, and the people he loved.

On January 1, 2026, Curtis left this world for heaven to glorify his Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. His faith was the foundation of his life. He walked daily with Jesus, praising God for His many blessings and living out that faith through service, generosity, and love for others. Curtis believed that faith was something you did, not just something you talked about.

From an early age, Curtis showed a strong sense of responsibility and curiosity about the world around him. He had his first exposure to government as a young Senate page in Austin during a special legislative session in 1949, when he lived in a boarding house for 30 days with a close friend. He would later retell the experience with his trademark dry humor and attention to detail.

He attended Justin Elementary. His was the very first class to walk the halls of Northwest High School from 9th grade all the way through 12th. They didn’t just attend Northwest, they helped shape it. His class got to cast their votes for the mascot, the Texans, and chose the school colors: red, white, and blue.

Curtis attended Texas Tech University, graduating in 1958 with a double major in business and agronomy. Agriculture wasn't just his profession; it was his calling. That fall, he returned home to Justin and founded Justin Seed Company, Inc. Curtis understood the land, respected farmers, and believed that good seed, like good people, mattered. He built the business on honesty, hard work, and relationships, earning the trust of generations of customers. When he later passed the company on to his son, Tracy, it was with pride and confidence.

In June 1958, Curtis married Mary Oneta Reynolds, beginning a 67-year partnership marked by faith, adventure, hospitality, and deep devotion. In his final days, Curtis reminded his family that he had given Oneta his heart.

During the Berlin Wall Crisis from October 1961 to August 1962, Curtis served in the Texas National Guard. He and Oneta were stationed in Leesville, Louisiana, for 11 months, another chapter in a life defined by service and commitment.

Curtis faithfully served at First Baptist Church of Justin for over 60 years as a Sunday School teacher for all ages, a deacon, a trustee, and a member of the budget committee. He first attended Camp Copass in the summer of 1948 with the Royal Ambassadors, and the camp remained close to his heart throughout his life. Through fundraising, planning, and wise counsel, Curtis helped ensure that Camp Copass would bless generations to come.

Curtis believed deeply in serving his community. His grandfather had been the first president of Justin State Bank, and Curtis carried on that legacy, serving on the bank's board for 50 years and as Chairman for 30. He was president of the Justin Chamber of Commerce, served on the Justin City Council, the Westgate Medical Center Board of Councilors, and the Denton County Road Bond Program. One of his greatest joys was delivering Meals on Wheels for 35 years; his regular Wednesday routes often included family or friends riding along. After retiring from Justin Seed Company, Curtis devoted himself to CoServ Electric Cooperative, serving on the board for 22 years, including three years as chairman.

Curtis also loved flying. He earned his private pilot's license and spent many hours in his 1946 single-engine Luscombe, often sharing that passion with his son and granddaughters. One unforgettable adventure was flying with Oneta from Fort Worth, Texas, to Columbia, California, for a Luscombe fly-in. The trip took 44.9 hours of flight time, included 30 takeoffs and landings, and had no radio, no lights, and no gas gauge. Navigation was by aerial sectional maps, and they slept under the wing at night. In 2012, Curtis walked away from a crash landing of the Luscombe on the grass airstrip in front of his home. In classic Curtis fashion, he crawled out of the upside-down aircraft and walked into the kitchen calmly, remarking to Oneta, “I guess my flying days are over.”

Curtis and Oneta loved people. Their home was often full, with bridge parties that brought enough friends to fill six tables, or visits from family or friends. They spent time square dancing in Decatur, attending summer musicals at Fair Park in Dallas, and traveling to all 50 states and 65 countries. They shared that love of discovery with their children and grandchildren, creating memories from Austin to Colorado, Italy to China, and even the Galápagos Islands.

Curtis was a storyteller, a listener, and a man of steady wisdom. He loved to share life lessons, often punctuated by his dry wit and deadpan delivery. He was known to say, "I find that hard to believe," followed by a knowing look. He was loved for his humor, his stories, and his ability to make people feel both heard and challenged.

Each summer, Curtis found joy in his garden, sharing its bounty with family and friends, another way he gave to others.

Curtis wasn't just a granddad; he was Super Dad, known simply as SUPER. The name captured something true: he was extraordinary in the most important ways. Super listened without rushing, offered advice with kindness and gentleness, and loved without condition. He passed down not only stories and skills but also a way of being in the world, faithful, generous, and grounded in what matters. His nine grandchildren knew they could count on him, and that certainty was one of his greatest gifts.

Nothing delighted him more than his family, especially his great-grandchildren, who always brought a big smile to his face and a sparkle to his eyes.

Curtis is survived by his wife of 67 years, Oneta; his daughter, Karen; and his son and daughter-in-law, Tracy and Julie.

Karen's children: Madison (Jordan McKone); Cole (Brit Stephens); Tally; Shofner; and Dolly (Matthew Maples).

Tracy and Julie's children: Emily (Dr. Chad Griesbach); Elizabeth; Erica; and Ellen.

He was blessed with three great-grandchildren: Shepherd Curtis and Marigold Lois Griesbach; and Sloane Ivy Stephens Slinker.

He leaves behind his sister, Nancy and Ted Reynolds, his brother, Richard & Jean Tally, along with nieces, nephews, and an extended loving family.

Through prayer, Bible study, faithful service, and the example of his life, Curtis taught those he loved the value of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and the hope, peace, and security that come from that faith. He lived well, did good work, and left a legacy firmly planted. Well done, good and faithful servant.

In loving memory of Curtis, the family kindly requests that any charitable donation be made to:

Camp Copass, 8200 E. McKinney Street, Denton, Texas 76208, or

Metroport Meals on Wheels, P.O. Box 204, Roanoke, Texas 76262.