Curtis R. Tonkins

Curtis Rondell Tonkins 60, known to many as ‘Curt Dawg’, Gator, Uncle Monkey to his great nieces and nephews , transitioned from this life Sunday morning June 18^th 2023 at Sentara Careplex Hospital in Hampton, VA.

Curtis was born to the late Ruth Jones on October 25, 1962, in Richmond, Virginia but raised in the earlier part of his life in Wakefield, VA. Curtis was educated in Newport News Public Schools system. He is preceded in death by his mother Ruth Jones. For ten years Curtis worked for Daily Press in the color print section. After his time there he went on to work as a cook at several eating establishments to include Golden Coral and Shoney’s. More recently Curtis was known for his excellent work in the roofing business.

Curtis is survived by a devoted Step-Father Wayman Jones, two sisters Janet Davis (Timothy) of Hampton, VA, Sandra Tonkins of Hampton, VA and one brother James Tonkins (Michelle) of Newport News, a god sister Chiquita Elliot (Anthony), daughter Dylon Johnson of Newport News, two grandchildren Aaron and Mi’yanna Johnson, a devoted friend Valada Johnson, nieces Nikita Tonkins, Shanice Taylor, Sharmane Tonkins, nephews Jamel Carney Sr, Dimitri Carney, Douglas Tonkins, K’Wmane Tonkins,  and a host of great nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.

Curtis was a very outgoing man and life of any party who enjoyed playing spades, dancing, drawing, roofing work, spending time with his grandkids, and his Dallas Cowboys. There was never a dull moment when Curt Dawg entered a room. Curtis was big on family especially his grandchildren who he talked about whenever he had a chance for someone to listen.

His jokes, dance moves, rap battles with his nephews, his favorite phrase ‘come on man’, his constant playing of Funkadelic on any device he could get his hands on, and his smile will be greatly missed.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held 11am Saturday June, 24, 2023 at Rising Star Christian Church, 2512 Roanoke Avenue, Newport News, VA 23607.  Public Viewing will take place from 3-6 pm Friday June 23, 2023 at Rising Star Christian Church. Burial will be held 11am Monday, June 26,2023 at Greenlawn Memorial Park, 2700 Parish Avenue, Newport News, VA, 23607

Please keep the Tonkins family in your thoughts and prayers.