Curtis Lamar Rouse

Curtis Lamar Rouse, age 52, of Clarksville, went to be with his Lord on Friday, May 3, 2013 at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 4 p.m. Thursday, May 9, 2013 at First Baptist Church of Clarksville, Grace Building, with the Revs. Allen Rice, Kim Allen, and Roger Freeman officiating. Burial will follow in the Sango Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at McReynolds-Nave & Larson Funeral Home and 2 p.m. until the hour of service Thursday at First Baptist Church, Grace Building.
Curtis entered this life on July 13, 1960 in Augusta, Georgia, son of Curtis and Mary Beasley Rouse. Curtis graduated from Lucy Craft Laney High School in Augusta and subsequently played scholarship football for the University of Tennessee Chattanooga where, during his Sophomore year, he helped lead his team to a Southern Conference Championship. Two years later he was part of the All-Southern Conference Team and played in the Senior Bowl. Following his collegiate years, Curtis was drafted into the NFL by Minnesota and played an impressive career as a Viking during the 1982-86 years. In 1987, Curtis played for the San Diego Chargers and retired from pro football at the conclusion of that season. During his tenure with the NFL, Curtis was most known for his intimidating presence while playing offensive guard, offensive tackle, and special teams. Following his NFL career, Curtis spent time passing his knowledge of football and shaping the minds of young athletes in Clarksville by assisting in coaching at APSU, Clarksville Academy, and Rossview High School. He was named to the Tennessee-Chattanooga's All-Century Football Team, and in 2005 he was elected to UTC's Athletics Hall of Fame. Most notable above all of Curtis's achievements, he loved his Lord and Savior, Jesus, and was a proud member of the church family at First Baptist Church of Clarksville.
Preceding him in death are his father, Curtis, and siblings, Robert Rouse, John Lee Rouse, and Violet Anderson.
In addition to his mother, Mary Rouse, Curtis is survived by his loving family: wife Ressie Herndon Rouse of Clarksville; children Courtney-Jamaal "C.J." Rouse, U.S. Navy, and Curstin Rouse of Clarksville; and siblings, Gardell Rouse (Lucy) , Alvin Rouse (Gwen), and Gloria Quarterman (James); and sister-in-law Gloria Ann Rouse, all of Augusta, Georgia
Memorials may be made to the Curtis Rouse Scholarship Fund, 1209 Madison St., Clarksville, TN 37040, which will benefit the aspiring young football players of Montgomery County High Schools.
Arrangements are in the care of McReynolds-Nave & Larson Funeral Home, (931)647-3371. NaveFuneralHomes.com