27 Fred Curtis

Obituary – Cab, Nashville Tennessean (May 29, 1976) by John Bibb

There is a very special hurt for many of us this morning.

Fred R. (Cab) Curtis passed away yesterday. Cab had a unique talent for initiating and cultivating friendships. Such matters came easily for Cab. He had a big advantage right from the start – he loved people.

Cab’s associations ranged from the most notable members of our community to the most obscure. They looked upon him from different angles, but they saw in him the same pleasant, generous, loyal friend.

An outstanding high school and college athlete, Cab earned all-star status in four sports while at East High in 1930s. He became a popular, successful basketball player under the legendary Adolph Rupp while attending the University of Kentucky, 1936-39.

Cab never set foot in an academic hall at Vanderbilt, yet his interest in Commodore athletes was boundless. His close association with Vandy’s Pete Naylor and Jess Neely earned him a distinction seldom enjoyed by those outside the official athletic community – he was welcome on every campus and in every athletic office in the Southeastern Conference.

Cab often accompanied Vandy football and basketball teams on the road and was a familiar figure at Dudley Field and Memorial Gymnasium.

Last summer, when Commodores who played under coaches Bill Edwards and Art Guepe held a reunion, Cab was he special non-Vandy alumnus invited.

In recent years, his love and support of golf attracted his attention. A behind-the-scenes figure in the Music City USA Pro-Celebrity, Cab made unique contributions of time and talents in helping with the myriad of details required to put the event together.

His Music City-USA contributions ranged from financial support to stand-by status as a participant. It would be Cab’s duty to be available in case somebody failed to show for an appointed tee-off time. Last October, Cab was utilized in such a role and helped his team win the tournament.

Somehow, this morning that championship seems to have the perfect one for Cab. it demonstrated his unselfishness and his willingness to accept a background role. Still, when called upon to help, he performed with the zeal and talent so familiar to the truly great competitors in sports.

His nickname came from the North Nashville area once known as “Cab Hollow,” where he lived as a boy. Funeral services will be Monday at 11 a.m. at the Belle Meade Methodist Church.

Our deepest sympathies to his beloved Nell, daughters Peggy and Cathy, and their families. The entire Nashville community, and the sports community in particular, has lost a dear friend.