Daniel Bryan Curtis

Daniel Curtis, a pioneer in the modern self-storage industry, and U.S. Air Force veteran, passed away July 12, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. He was 93 years old. He leaves behind a distinguished legacy of business innovation, industry leadership, and a devotion to family through his 68-year marriage.

Dan’s early life in Crawfordsville, Indiana, was defined by duty and perseverance. Raised in Montgomery County, Indiana working long hours on his family’s farms and lumber business, he learned early about getting the job done and never quitting. A talented athlete, he excelled in many sports, especially basketball where he was named to his county’s All Star Team in 1951 and received the Hybarger Award as outstanding male student athlete the same year. He attended Purdue University where he was business manager of The Debris Yearbook and an active member in the Sigma Chi Fraternity. He graduated with a degree in Agricultural Engineering in 1955.

After training for a year with Alcoa’s junior executive program, he joined the military, serving as a fighter interceptor pilot in the U.S. Air Force. While stationed in Bainbridge, Georgia, he went on a weekend visit to the campus of FSU and met coed, Margaret Lois Miller. After a quick courtship they married in 1957 and began their life together. Dan was honorably discharged from the 56th Fighter Interceptor Squadron in 1958, and immediately began his sales career with the Alcoa Corporation in Pittsburgh, PA.

After a transfer to Southern California, Dan raised his family and cultivated life-long friendships with neighbors in Arcadia through involvement in Arcadia First Presbyterian Church and other community groups, including Boys Christian League and The Indian Guides.

In 1973, Dan moved his family of six to Cobb County, Georgia in order to establish a division of Porvene, Inc., where he rose to Vice President and General Manager, manufacturing metal rollup doors. Recognizing the untapped potential of the self-storage sector, he became one of the early leaders of the modern self-storage model.

Throughout his career, Dan collaborated with hundreds of small operators and industry giants like Public Storage, U-Haul, and Shurgard. Following his retirement in 1999, he transitioned into consulting, and ownership of storage facilities in Georgia and Louisiana. In 2005, he was inducted into the Self Storage Association’s Inaugural Hall of Fame class, the only inductee representing manufacturers.

Dan was a caregiver for his wife Margaret in her final years, and enjoyed his role as a mentoring grandfather. He also relished time at his vacation home in Arizona.

Dan was predeceased by his beloved wife, Margaret Miller Curtis ; his son, Daniel Phillip Curtis and great granddaughter Madeline Wilson.

He is survived by his son David Curtis (Vicki), daughter Anne Curtis Harris (Jackson), and son Mike (Idetta), his 10 grandchildren, and four great grandchildren.

He will be remembered not only for his business achievements , sharp mind and clever wit, but also for his devotion to family and his instrumental role in shaping a booming and unique American industry.