Hixon studied pharmacology at the School of Pharmacy in Atlanta, Georgia (now a part of Mercer University).

In 1939, Hixon was elected to the Hillsborough County Commission serving until 1943 when he successfully ran to be the Mayor of Tampa.

Curtis won the office of mayor in his first election by the highest margin in Tampa history and went on to serve 3 more terms before his death.

[2] When Curtis assumed office, Tampa was facing issues because of World War II's rationing and a host of others but did benefit from military contracts.

Drew Field after being deactivated would be transferred over to the city government in October 1947 later becoming Tampa International Airport.