Curtis Wayne Gooch, 71, of Bethel, NC died on September 29, 2024 at ECU Health. He was born on December 5, 1952, in Durham, North Carolina to the late James Melvin Gooch and Mary Elizabeth (Peggy) Tew.

He bravely served in the United States Army for 20 years, achieving the rank of Sergeant and earning various metals for his service. He was a communications specialist with several notable deployments including Colorado and Germany as well as being a sniper on the DMZ in Korea.

He loved spending time with his family and friends, fishing and enjoying life.

Curtis is survived by his sons, Michael Eric Gooch (wife, Shannon Styron) and James Curtis Gooch (wife, Pamela Kristin Gooch); their mother, Mary Catherine Gooch; step-daughters, Donna Warren and Virginia Bland; his 8 grandchildren, Sydney Alexis Gooch, Makayla Faith Gooch, Colton James Styron Gooch, James Maxton Gooch, Nick Carpenter, Chloe Carpenter, Karen Warren and Miranda Warren; two great-grandchildren, Kailey Warren and Beau-Michael Joyce; sister, Carolyn Gooch; brothers, Brian Gooch Sr. (wife, Debbie Cooper Gooch), Raye Gooch Sr. (fiancé, Bobbi Jean Rickman); numerous nieces and nephews; life-long friends Alex Frankenthal, Russel Whitten and Micheal Ostic.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Mary Sue Gooch; sister, Betty Luper and his parents.

There will be a graveside service held in the Bethel Cemetery at 1:00 PM on Saturday, October 5, 2024.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to any veteran association of your choice in Curtis’ memory.

Rest in peace, Curtis, a beloved veteran, father and brother.