Mr. Curtiss Denard Pauling "Okie" was born on February 22, 1956, to the late Cleotus Pauling and Hattie Mitchell Mack in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. After a life well lived, he passed away on December 7, 2025.
He attended Fairview Elementary School -Winston-Salem, North Carolina, then Kennedy High School -Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and later graduated from Wakefield High School in Arlington, Virginia. He briefly attended Chowan College - Murfreesboro, North Carolina where he majored in music. He also attended Winston-Salem State University where was in the marching band.

He lived in Greensboro, North Carolina during his later years, and was from Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
He loved the Lord and called him "Jah". He studied Ethiopian history and culture and loved reggae music. During his youth he was in a marching band and played basketball. He enjoyed playing the percussion drums with his family reggae band. He loved listening to music especially "Roots Reggae". He also loved working on and repairing cars and electronics. He could fix anything.
Mr. Pauling was preceded in death by his parents, Mr. Cleotus Pauling and Mrs. Hattie Mack and Mr. Lawrence Mack formerly of Forsyth County, North Carolina.
He is survived by his loving wife, Sharon K. Pauling; devoted children, one daughter, Tera Mason, one son, Donte Mason (Rebecca); and two grandsons, Noah Tye and Donte' Mason Jr. He is survived by five siblings, Larry Pauling (Trulesta), Kevin Pauling, Ronald Pauling, Clevette Holbert, and Pamela Knight; and a host of nieces, nephews along with a host of other relatives and friends.

A viewing will be held from 1:00pm until 5:00pm Friday, December 12, 2025 at Russell Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held at 12noon Saturday, December 13, 2025 at the Russell Funeral Home Chapel. The family visitation will be held from 11:00am until 12noon on Saturday at the Chapel.