Curtis Sockwell, 74, of Nacogdoches passed away on Monday, March 13, 2017, in Nacogdoches. Mr. Sockwell was born on August 13, 1942, in Jacksonville, Texas, the son of J.T. Sockwell and Ruby Inez Bledsoe Sockwell. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM, Thursday, March 16, 2017, at Laird Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Stan King officiating. Interment will follow at Fairview Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM â€" 7:00 PM on Wednesday, March 15, 2017, at Laird Funeral Home. Curtis was raised in Jacksonville, Texas where he also attended school. One day, he walked into his Algebra class and there was a new student. Her name was Barbara, and he was smitten. The two began spending time together, and fell in love. They married on August 5, 1961, and have spent 55 beautiful years together. They had two sons, Dale and Ricky, and the boys were the focus of their life. Curtis spent lots of time reading and teaching his kids and grandkids about his favorite things, which included anything history related, as well as Indian Heritage. He was happiest when he was camping with his beloved wife and family and spent many years traveling to the mountains of Colorado where they would ride the trails and enjoy the scenery. Occasionally, they would get to fish or hunt but just being in the mountains was the most joyous for him. Each year, he would ensure the grandkids got to go on vacation with them, and they each knew it would always involve taking the camper and staying at one of their many favorite places. When Curtis was not camping, he and Barbara could either be found watching FOX News or in Canton Trade Days where they had their booth. Curtis spent his working years at Brookshire Brothers, where he retired as store manager after 42 faithful years. His legacy with the company include each one of his kids and grandkids working there as well. He was also a past member and President of the Optimist Club. He was very proud of the family he raised and made sure he passed along his wisdoms as well as ensuring their salvation, which was of the utmost importance to him. Mr. Sockwell was also a member of Impact Cowboy Church and whole heartedly supported their program, Horses & Hearts. Mr. Sockwell is survived by his loving wife, Barbara Sockwell; Sons, Dale Sockwell and wife, Shelia of Nacogdoches, and Ricky Sockwell of Huntington; Brothers, James Sockwell and wife, Linda of Elkhart, TX and Larry Sockwell and wife, Cynthia of Port Barre, LA; Sister, Karron Reed and husband, Johnny of Glen Rose, TX Grandchildren, Kyle Sockwell of Nacogdoches, Ashley Tapia and husband, Chris of Nacogdoches, Kelsi Sockwell and fiancé, David Howard of Lubbock, and Aaron Sockwell of Lufkin; and Great Grandchildren, Kadeyn Sockwell and Emelyn Tapia. He is preceded in death by his parents, J.T. and Ruby Sockwell. Pallbearers will be Kyle Sockwell, Aaron Sockwell, Chris Tapia, David Howard, Ronny Brumbelow, Billy Bradshaw, and Dennis Esch. Honorary Pallbearers will be Cliff Colwell and Kenneth Langford. The family requests donations be made to Horses and Hearts, c/o Impact Cowboy Church 522 FM 2112 Nacogdoches, TX 75961. The Sockwell family is being served by Laird Funeral Home. To convey condolences or sign an online register, please visit www.lairdfh.net