REVEREND CURTIS CHARLES “DUKE” GOUGH was, at his core, a servant and a faithful soldier in the army of the Lord. He was a bold evangelist who never missed an opportunity to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. His life was not simply lived; it was poured out in service, in faith, and in love for others. His mission was clear and unwavering: that all would come to know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Obituary Born on March 6, 1942 in Buckingham County, Virginia into a time marked by hardship and the realities of Jim Crow and segregation, Rev. Gough learned early the value of perseverance, dignity, and faith. Though his formal education ended after grade school so that he could help provide for his siblings, he never stopped learning. He became an avid reader, a selftaught scholar, and above all, a devoted student of the Word of God. His wisdom was not merely academic, but was forged through life experience, prayer, and unwavering trust in God. Rev. Gough treated people with respect. During a time when many stayed in their own lanes, he did not. He talked with, worked with, and worshiped alongside people regardless of race or denomination. He was simply being himself, and because of that, he earned the respect of people from all walks of life. Rev. Gough was truly a pillar of his community and the patriarch of his family. His legacy included helping to build Ebenezer Baptist Church both physically with his hands and spiritually with his heart and service. He faithfully served as a deacon, worked with the deacons’ conference to train and develop new deacons, and taught both young adult and youth Sunday School. He later answered the call to ministry and was a devoted son of Ebenezer Baptist Church. He was licensed to preach the gospel in January 1982 by the late Reverend Ernest Kitt, Sr. and was ordained by the Third Liberty Baptist Church. He also ministered at Straight Gate Mission and Third Liberty Baptist Church in addition to preaching the Gospel and surrounding counties. However, Rev. Gough did not wait for a pulpit to preach. He hosted tent revivals and also witnessed wherever he stood, whether at church gatherings, hospital rooms, in a store parking lot or around his own dinner table. Rev. Gough was known for driving his personal van through the community, picking up children and bringing them to Sunday School and church, ensuring they had a place to learn about Jesus. Together with his beloved wife, Annie, he opened his home and his heart hosting food and clothing drives, large cookouts and gatherings at their home where all were welcome to break bread, knowing they would also hear him share about the love of Jesus Christ. He ministered across denominational lines that once divided people, showing by example that the Kingdom of God is greater than any barrier. He visited the sick, comforted and shared communion with the shut-in, prayed at hospital bedsides, provided firewood for widows, and shared generously from his garden and from his table. If someone was in need, Rev. Gough responded. A hardworking provider, Rev. Gough was employed at Uniroyal Goodrich Tire, Westvaco Corporation, and later labored extensively in the pulpwood logging business, eventually owning his own trucks and company. Through his business, he gave many family members and others in need an opportunity to earn an honest living. During his later years, he worked under contract for the United States Postal Service and worked in the lawn care business until his health began to decline. Rev. Gough believed in hard work, integrity, and helping a man stand on his own two feet.

His yard was meticulously cared for, reflecting his love for gardening and his appreciation for beauty and order. He loved sports and enjoyed the fun and opportunity to hang out with his family during his younger years playing softball on their family’s team, Soul Survivors, where he was known for being a homerun slugger. He also enjoyed watching his favorite teams, the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Dallas Cowboys. Rev. Gough was a devoted husband to his wife, Annie. He believed it was his responsibility to provide and protect, and he worked hard to make sure his family was cared for. He truly lived out “in sickness and in health,” as a daily commitment. In their later years, he stayed close, watching over her in quiet, practical ways adjusting a chair, bringing what she needed, making sure she was comfortable. As a father, his love was unconditional. He cherished his girls deeply and raised his younger sister, Linda, as his own. Beyond his immediate household, he became a father figure and mentor to many offering guidance, correction, encouragement, and steady support. He had a special way of lifting those who were down, reminding them of their worth and pointing them back to Jesus Christ, the Author and Finisher of our faith. To his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, he was affectionately known as “Papa Duke” and “Grandpa Duke.” He shared stories filled with history and humor, words of wisdom rooted in faith, and yes…an occasional gentle joke or two if one’s hair was not properly groomed. His presence filled a room. After a brief illness, he passed away peacefully on February 28, 2026. He was preceded in death by his parents; Warren Harden and Annie Virginia Gough; two sisters, Lorraine Allen and Dolly Gough; and twelve brothers, Lloyd, Hubert, Wilson, Kenneth, Raymond, John, Willard, Leo, James, Edward, Carlton, and Napoleon Gough. He leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife of 64 years, Annie Mae Perkins Gough; his daughters, Cynthia “Niecy” Gough, Tracy Kitt (Ronnie), and NaTasha Grimes (Ricky); his grandchildren, Ronnie Kitt, Jr. “RJ,” Antonio Kitt “AT,” Kiandria Grimes, Joshua Kitt, and Caleb Grimes; his greatgranddaughters, Adrianna Kitt and Ausarah Kitt. He is also survived by his brothers, Alvin Gough and Donald Gough; his sisters, Margie Amos and Linda Haskins (Larry); two aunts, six sister-in-laws, two brother-in-laws, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, church family, and friends. Rev. Gough also leaves to cherish his memory a special Goddaughter, Psalmist Jessica Jones of Brooklyn, New York, whose voice and music he loved. The song she sang lead on, “Oh How I Love Jesus” was often played and ministered to him during the last days of his illness. Though he has transitioned from labor to reward, his witness remains. His prayers are forever heard in our hearts. His seeds of faith continue to grow in the lives of those he loved, led, and served. His signature song, often heard whenever he preached, offered ministerial remarks, or shared a testimony, was “There’s A Dark Cloud Rising.” With conviction and hope in his voice, he would remind all who listened that the storm would not last always. Today, that same faith speaks for him. Truly, he has gone home from labor to reward resting from his earthly work and receiving the promise he so faithfully proclaimed. Rest well…we will miss you but we know that we will see you again!