Curtis Raeford Eure - Cremation Society of Virginia

Curtis Raeford Eure

January 11, 1936 - March 4, 2024

Curtis Raeford Eure, 88, died March 4, 2024 at his home in Virginia Beach, Virginia surrounded by his loved ones.

Rae is survived by his loving wife of 34 years, Donna Andrews Eure; daughter, Lisa Caroline Eure; son, Curtis Raeford Eure, Jr., and grandson, Timothy Parker Eure; stepdaughter, Erin Simmons Drinkwater, and granddaughter, Vivian Haradlee Drinkwater; and stepson, Archie Leland Simmons, Jr. and his wife, Margaret McCaa Simmons, grandson, Cameron Webster Simmons, and granddaughter, Elizabeth Hunter Simmons.

Rae, the son of Soni Timothy Eure and Helen Felton Eure, was born on a farm in Gates County, North Carolina on January 11, 1936. Born with a daunting prognosis at birth, Rae was double club footed and his parents were told he would never walk. A neighbor, who owned a car, thought differently and transported Rae bi-weekly for months as an infant to a doctor in Norfolk who cast his feet and legs to reposition them. Rae went on to play three sports at Gatersville High School, baseball, football, and basketball, while holding the title of President of his class of 21 students. He ran, danced, worked on the farm, and drove anything with wheels.

At age 13, Rae was given 14 “bitties” or baby chickens to raise through the 4H Club. He raised them, turned them in, and bought 100 more. This project eventually turned into 20,000 laying hens. “Eure’s Brown Eggs” was a thriving business which paid his way through college.

Rae graduated from N.C. State University in 1959 with a degree in Civil Engineering. Upon graduation, he moved to Portsmouth, Virginia where he began his career under the mentorship of the late industrialist, George T. McLean. It was here that he learned to fly and received his pilots’ license. He became Mr. McLean’s political ambassador in several elections and flew numerous persons on the campaign trail, both Republicans and Democrats: Mills Godwin, Senator L.F. Payne, John Edwards, Governor George Allen, Governor Jim Gilmore, and Senator Creigh Deeds to name a few.

In 1972, Rae became a Shriner in the class with Honorable Joseph Canada and Owen Pickett. 1987 brought about the beginning of the Khedive Shriner Air Wing Unit. Rae was a charter member and its captain. Since its inception, he has flown 237 burned or crippled children to eight Shriners Hospitals and coordinated many more flights to serve others while remembering what was done for him as a child.

In August of 2002, he was appointed to the Board of Governors of the Shriners Hospital in Greenville, SC for a term of nine years. Rae was also a “Jester”, the highest honor of membership in the Shrine.

Curtis Raeford Eure was founder and president of Hoggard-Eure Associates for 54 years, guiding his engineers, surveyors, and planners. He was always excited about the next new job no matter how large or small. His efforts helped build the Tidewater Region, parts of North Carolina, and many military bases.

Rae will be immensely missed by his family and friends. He was a loving husband, father, stepfather, and Papa to his four precious grandchildren. Rest in Peace Raeford. “…and in the meantime!”

A memorial service will be held at Galilee Episcopal Church, 3928 Pacific Ave Virginia Beach, VA on March 22, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to be made to:

Shriners’ Hospital for Children Transportation
645 Woodlake Drive, Chesapeake, VA 23320
www.khediveshrine.org

Galilee Church
3928 Pacific Avenue, Virginia Beach, VA 23451
www.galileechurch.net

Wings Over Virginia Hospice
6325 North Center Drive Bldg 18, Ste 204, Norfolk, VA 23502
www.wovhospice.com

Cremation Society of Virginia

Brittany Spencer

Holly Carson

Kristen Richards

Lisa Caroline Eure

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Curtis Raeford Eure, 88, died March 4, 2024 at his home in Virginia Beach, Virginia surrounded by his loved ones. Rae is survived by his loving wife of 34 years, Donna Andrews Eure; daughter, Lisa Caroline Eure; son, Curtis Raeford Eure, Jr., and grandson, Timothy Parker Eure; stepdaughter, Erin Simmons Drinkwater, and granddaughter, Vivian Haradlee…

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Dear Donna and family, Richard and I were so saddened when we learned of your loss. Although, we didn’t know Rae well, we knew what an amazing husband, father, step parent, mentor, successful businessman, Shriner, pilot, and volunteer he was, as he so unselfishly gave of his time. It is your treasured memories of him that will keep him forever close and give all of you peace. You are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. With our deepest sympathy and love, Richard and Lynn

I was deeply saddened to hear about the loss of a fellow QB pilot. Please accept my heartfelt condolences during this incredibly difficult time. Losing a colleague and friend is never easy, especially in a profession as close-knit as ours. I want you to know that my thoughts are with you and the entire QB community as you mourn the loss of someone so special. May you find strength in the memories you shared, and may the legacy of your friend's passion for flying continue to inspire and uplift all who knew them. You are not alone in your grief, and together, we can navigate through this challenging period. Wishing you comfort and solace as you honor the life and contributions of your dear colleague. With deepest sympathy, QB Frank J Donohue

Donna, Lisa, Curt...my deepest sympathy at the loss of your Husband, Father, and my good friend. I only learned of Rae's passing last evening while traveling on business in South Carolina. Rae and I first met when I became employed with George T. McLean Company. My older brother, Walter, worked with Rae at the Equipment Company and I worked for the Building Materials Company while going to College in the early 70's...I later worked there as an Outside Salesman while still going to School and somewhere in all of that I met Ray who also became my friend and mentor. We became trusted friends throughout our lives as we crisscrossed each others path...most favorite to me were the times we spent Sailing together in Tidewater and on trips on the Chesapeake Bay, Tangier Island and WindMill Point. As my Traveling Career took me around the United States, Rae and I kept in touch and he was always inquiring about my wellbeing, he was proud of the Career I had built and my success, and I would thank him for the part he played in it. I always felt a part of his family as he was certainly a part of mine...he knew my parents and I knew his...he knew my brothers and sisters, we ended many a Sailing session with me cooking barbecued chicken for our families, Lisa and Curt were very young children then. I wrote Rae letters when each of his parents passed away as I was living somewhere between Chicago/Texas/Pennsylvania and I followed up with a call. Tim and Helen were such nice people...at different times we were as close as brothers. When my parents passed away, I came home for the Service and there was Rae....we caught up and had lunch together before I returned to Florida. Another visit, I met Donna with Rae in Va Beach and she suffered through our "Reunion"...so kind and understanding. I wanted to take them to Dinner and we went to Steinhilbers...Rae confiscating the Check before I could...I was staying at the Oceanfront just a few blocks from them (fortunately) as we both were overserved...and all the time between us disappeared, two old friends talking about our families, our friends, and I thanked him for his friendship...and he thanked me for mine. So here I am in my Office tonight, I have been away all Week and I wanted to read his Obituary...and not surprised to read about his kindness, friendship and service to others...that was Rae to a tee...and I knew he loved his Children because I was there in the early days and saw them grow up, and later heard about them from him always proud and telling me about what they were up to. I was 18 when I met Rae and he was 35....that puts things in perspective. He was successful, accomplished, and everything I wanted to be, and he took the time to know me, to encourage me and be a friend. I am a better person for knowing him and I will miss him for the rest of my days. There is no such thing as a perfect person, but Rae was a perfect friend, I hope I returned the favor. I wish you all peace for your loss, God Bless each of you.

Lisa, I am so sorry about the loss of your dad. What a great man. I had many laughs with him over the years and enjoyed working with him on so many projects. He will be missed. I am sorry I will miss his memorial service, the memorial service for my 99 year aunt is the exact same time in VB. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

The greatest are the most humble. That was Rae on both counts. He will be greatly missed.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Donna- I was so sorry to read of your and your family’s loss. Rae was the consummate gentlemen and his good work both professionally and voluntarily will surely be a lasting legacy. He was a lovely man and will be missed by many. Warmly, Betty

I have known Lisa for a few years now. She gave me the pleasure of introducing me to Mr. Raeford a couple of years ago. He quickly became someone that I cared about. He always had something funny to say and I enjoyed being around him. I wanted to say I am truly sorry for your loss. But selfishly I have to say I wish I had more time with him. If there is anything I can do to make things easier please let me know.

Dear Donna: What an amazing story of a beautiful life of love, effort and accomplishment. Rae surely made the most of his time here on earth. We are thinking of you and all the family during this sad time. Our deepest sympathy— Meg and Bill

Sorry to hear of Rae passing. He will surely be missed. We had many years of sharing Surveying and Engineering trying to prove 2+2=5. Rest in peace.

My heart ❤️ goes out to all of you!! Donna , you see by far my favorite person and Rae was the luckiest man to have you !! Always here if you need me.

-I had the pleasure of providing insurance coverage for Hoggard Eure and Rae for most of my 40 year career in the insurance business. Whenever I would ask when he was going to retire, he would smile and say: "why would I want to retire?? I love what I do!" -Rae was a fine man who will be missed. Beverly Cherry

A friend and fraternity brother since 1956. Attended home coming together for many years until recently. We have lost a true man who lived God's words. He gave generously of himself to his family, friends and society. God bless his wife Donna and his family in their time of sorrow!

I dearly believe Mr. Eure is in the heavens maybe talking with my father Roger Martin about Real Estate here on earth if not I am sure my mother Carole is talking Rae crazy! Prayers to your family 🙏🏻 Believe in the Power of Peace ❤️

Raeford was my fraternity brother and friend for 68 years. I always enjoyed meeting him and Tidewater when I was there on business for lunch or dinner. I will miss him very much!

Rae is going to be missed for sure. I thoroughly enjoyed my time working for him at Hoggard-Eure and will think of him fondly. He always greeted you with a smile and asked how you were doing. He was a heck of a man. I feel lucky to have known him as employee and friend. Thanks and RIP Rae.

I was so sorry to hear of Rae’s passing. He was a very good man to work for. I started as just temp and was there for 14 years. Very fond memories. My thoughts and prayers go out to you Curt and Lisa and your family.

Raeford, Quiet Birdman with the Norfolk Hangar. Regular attendee, good fellow, ....he will be missed at our Hangar meetings. The QBs will be attending the funeral ceremony. Kent Ewing Governor

I worked for Rae a little over 8 years. Rae gave me my first engineering job. After I moved on he would visit me and we would talk about the times we worked together. Rae was a good man and I will miss him.

Rae was an amazing man. My deepest condolences to his entire life.

I miss you so much!

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.