Brady Curtwright

Brady Hays Curtwright, 14, of Manila, passed from this life on Sunday, December 7, 2025, at Regional One Health in Memphis. He was born in Paragould on February 11, 2011, to Ashley and Brian Curtwright.

Brady was a proud student at Manila Junior High, where he poured his heart into every activity he loved. Basketball was his greatest passion; he played for the Manila Lions Junior High team, wearing his beloved #2. This past summer, he discovered a new love for golf, and in true Brady fashion, he picked it up quickly. Recently, he also began playing piano and was already showing impressive natural talent.

Brady had a remarkable gift for bringing joy into every room he entered. He was hilarious, outgoing, and full of life. He was always smiling, always adding fun to whatever was happening around him. His friends meant everything to him. They shaped his world, filled his days with laughter, and gave him memories he cherished deeply. Brady loved his church and carried his faith with a sincerity far beyond his years. To know him was to know a young man whose energy, kindness, and bright light touched countless hearts.

He is preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Gerald Phillips, and his paternal great grandfather, Bolton Johnson.

Brady is survived by his loving parents, Ashley and Brian Curtwright of Manila; his nine-year-old sister, Nora Curtwright; great-grandmother, Vivian “GiGi” Phillips; maternal grandparents, Hays and Linda Phillips and Navaska Maruca; paternal grandparents, Linda and Wes Curtwright ; great-aunt and great-uncle, Julie and Danny Hill; aunts, Katrina Ragon, Kassity Taylor, Chievon Curtwright; and uncle, Brad Curtwright. He also leaves behind four cousins: Jarrod Moughton, Cameron Moughton, Emma Curtwright, and Elaina Curtwright. He leaves behind a large circle of family, friends, teammates, and classmates who will forever feel his absence.

Visitation will be held from 5–7 p.m. on Friday evening at the Manila High School Gym. Funeral services will take place at 10 a.m. on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at the Manila High School Gym with Pastor Kenneth O’Connell and Brad Curtwright officiating. Burial will follow at Manila Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Gabe Gonzales, Hudson Harrison, Luke Howard, Asher O’Connell, Collin King, Bentley McDermott, Coach Brayden Brewer, and Coach Heath Matheny.

Honorary pallbearers include Maddox Harrison, Mason Riggs, Braxton Tilley, Conner Orr, Bryce Wilson, Jamysen Deeds, Maddox Whittaker, Thomas Griffin, Whitt Murray, Drew Jackson, Tripp Havis, Corbin Sexton, Brady Branum, Kasen Shelton, Kale Churchill, Rogen McGrath, Sam Jackson, Jude Tomblin, Gavin Ramsey, Lawson Chipman, Easton Donner, Ealie York, Gavin Cox, Conner Middleton, and Josh Ethridge.