William Curtis Whitehurst

William (Bill) Curtis Whitehurst, retired Real Estate Broker, 82, passed away peacefully and in the presence of his loving wife of 61 years the evening of October 2, 2014 at Somerford Place in Redlands after a recent diagnosis of a primary brain tumor and brief stay in hospice.Bill was born on March 20, 1932 in Southgate, Los Angeles, California to Robert Curtis and Johnnie Virginia Whitehurst. After Bill graduated from high school in Sherwood, Oregon, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in January of 1951. While enlisted in the Marines, Bill served in the conflict in Korea, was stationed in Japan for a period of time, and was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, United States Service Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal. Bill received an honorable discharge from the Marine Corps in January 1954. Bill served as a Service Manager at Smith-Corona-Marchant Inc. in San Bernardino for nearly twenty years. After leaving SCM, Bill acquired his real estate license and worked at Century Twenty-One and Lois Lower Real Estate agencies. Bill and fellow real estate agents purchased their own building and established a privately owned real estate brokerage, which later became known as Coldwell Banker Realty Center. Bill retired from real estate after forty years of service in 2011. In addition to being a real estate broker, Bill was an active member and servant in the Redlands community. He was a longtime member and deacon at First Congregational Church of Redlands. Bill served on the Redlands Family Service Board of Directors during which he was instrumental in establishing their Home Again program. Bill was also a part of many other service organizations in Redlands such as Redlands Morning Kiwanis, Redlands Day Nursery Board of Directors, Youth Accountability Board, Redlands Airport Commission, Redlands Meals on Wheels, and Dearborn Grove Homeowners Association Board. Bill is survived by his wife of 61 years, Helena (Stienstra) Whitehurst; sons and daughters-in-law, Glen and Linda, Dale and Pam; grandchildren, Laura, Kaitlin, Megan, Sarah, Haley, Brenna, Reid; and great-granddaughter, Aaliyah. Bill was a beloved man whose legacy will forever live in the hearts of those whose lives he touched. Peace is found in knowing that he is in the presence of the Lord. Private burial service will be held at the Hillside Cemetery in Redlands, CA the morning of October 9, 2014. A Memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 11, 2014 at 11:00 AM at Emmerson-Bartlett Mortuary in Redlands, CA. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Family Service Association of Redlands.