Curtis Allen Diez, 67, of the Mill Creek Community, passed away on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, in Picayune, Mississippi.

Born on September 27, 1958, in Picayune, Mississippi, Curtis was the son of Norman Patrick Diez and Royce and Vondell Spiers Bowden. He was a son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, and friend whose life was marked by hard work and a willingness to help anyone in need.

He is preceded in death by his parents and brother, Norman (Bubby) Patrick Diez III.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 44 years, Patricia Lee Diez; his children, Brad and Katie Frazier, Jesse and Marissa McCormick, and Allen and Jena Diez; and his grandchildren, Talen, Tricia Gayle, Catherine, Von Marie, Justin, and Kimmie Frazier, and Deklin, Ellie Mae, and Grayson McCormick. He is also survived by his siblings, Patrick Diez, Royce and CeCelia Bowden, Steve and Sandy Bowden, Trish Hamann and sister-in-law Wendy Diez along with numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

Following high school, Curtis proudly served his country in the United States Navy for a short time before beginning a lifetime of honest, hardworking service. Known for his incredible mechanical ability and skilled hands, Curtis worked in construction and bricklaying before building a career with several companies in the Picayune area. He worked as a mechanic and machine operator for Heritage Plastics, Penrod Drilling, and United Technologies, where wiring harnesses were manufactured for Ford and Chrysler vehicles. He later served as a supervisor at American Fabrics, where lace was produced and distributed around the world. Curtis concluded his career with St. Tammany Box as a machine operator, helping manufacture the cardboard boxes found in countless homes and businesses.

Those who knew Curtis knew there wasn’t much he couldn’t fix. Whether it was a vehicle, a lawn mower, or something someone else had given up on, he enjoyed figuring it out and putting it back together. After retirement, he spent countless hours tinkering, always staying busy. He often described himself by saying, “I’m a jack of all trades, but a master of none.”

Curtis will be remembered for his strong work ethic, generous heart, and love for his family. His legacy lives on through the many lives he touched, the things he built and repaired, and the values he passed down to those who knew and loved him.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, June 27, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. at Lee’s Chapel No. 1 Baptist Church, 11 Herb Lee-Fred Spiers Road, Carriere, Mississippi 39426. Funeral services will begin at 3:00 p.m., officiated by Bro. Cody Ladner. Interment will immediately follow at Holliman Cemetery.

Though Curtis has laid down his tools, the work of his hands and the love he shared will remain in the hearts of his family forever.