10/11/1954 – 10/21/2025
Curtis Ray Sides, age 71, passed away peacefully on October 21, 2025, surrounded by the family he loved so dearly, after a courageous battle with dementia.
Born on October 11, 1954, in Valley, Alabama, Curtis lived a life marked by laughter, loyalty, and an unwavering love for the people around him. He was a devoted son, brother, husband, father, and grandfather whose presence filled every room with warmth and joy.
For 50 years, Curtis shared his life with his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Teresa Meadows Sides. Together they built a marriage grounded in deep faith, friendship, and fun – a true partnership that weathered life’s highs and lows with grace and laughter.
Curtis is survived by his beloved wife Teresa; his children Benji Sides (Lee), Clay Sides (Kari), and Lindsey Sharpe (Dusty); and his adored grandchildren Morgan, Mallory, Lily, Cannon, Adleigh, Mary Clayton, and Elle, who were the absolute lights of his life. He is also survived by his brothers Paul East and Robert Sides. He was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Myrtle Sides, and his sister Glenda Miles.
Curtis had an energy and spirit that drew people in. He never met a stranger and made everyone feel like a lifelong friend. His smile could brighten the darkest day, and his laugh – rich, genuine, and infectious- lingers in the memories of all who knew him.
Family was the heartbeat of Curtis’s life. Whether he was cheering from the stands, sharing stories at the dinner table, or playing with his grandkids, he was happiest surrounded by those he loved. He also found great joy in the beach, traveling, and, of course, Auburn football. Saturdays in the fall were sacred – Curtis never missed a game, proudly celebrating his 500th consecutive Auburn game last season in Athens, Georgia. His passion for the Tigers was matched only by the friendships he and Teresa built through their community of friends who became like family and shared a lifetime of laughter, tailgates, and memories. Though the Saturdays ahead will never be quite the same, his Auburn “family” will continue to gather in his honor, carrying forward his love for the game and the people who made it special.
In his later years, as dementia became part of his story, Curtis and Teresa found hope, comfort, and belonging through REACH (Refresh, Encourage, Activities, Care, Hope) – the Community Respite Ministry at Auburn United Methodist Church. REACH became a joyful constant in their lives, offering purpose, laughter, and community.
A Celebration of Life for Curtis will be held at Auburn United Methodist Church on Friday, October 31st. Visitation will be held from 10:00-11:00 with the service following at 11:00.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the REACH program at Auburn United Methodist Church, a ministry that meant so much to Curtis and continues to bring light to others walking a similar path.
Curtis’s life was one of joy, generosity, and love – a reminder to all who knew him that the best legacy we leave is found not in what we have, but in how deeply we love.
A Toast and Tailgate in memory of Curtis will be held on Saturday, November 1st at the Sides/Knox Tailgate. The family welcomes anyone who would like to join in on the celebration of a life that will be dearly missed.
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