William Simpson

William Simpson, 91, was a beloved Husband, Son, Father, and Grandfather. He entered this world on July 19, 1931, in Milledgeville, GA, born to Lonnie and Louise Simpson, as one of eight children.

William was a good student, but his education was cut short when his school was burned to the ground by angry whites in rural Milledgeville. He was in the 8th grade. William was, then, forced to find work, which he did, in the cotton fields. The work proved to be ominous and William, who was very strong-minded chose to leave and find work elsewhere until he, eventually, joined the Army in 1949.

William was sent to Korea and was trained in water purification, providing fresh water for the troops. William suffered frostbite from the cold in the Chosin Reservoir, otherwise known as "Frozen Chosin". His memory of the ordeal was one of pain, sometimes fear as he watched his friends report frostbite and have limbs amputated; and lastly, resolve as he made the decision to tough it out and look forward to being sent home, intact. He returned in 1952. His skin was a beautiful brown color until you reached mid-calf, on each leg, where his skin was black down to his feet.

Once home, William found work as a dishwasher at Halle's, later at Fisher Body, and finally at the U,S. Postal Service, where he started as a janitor and, within a short time, became a Tractor Trailer Operator. William retired after 34 years with the Postal Service. He was then able to fully pursue his hobbies/interests which included reading biographies and nonfiction; watching documentaries; any sports in Cleveland or Ohio--he was a 'homer'; researching natural ways to combat disease and illnesses; and gardening and landscaping. William loved to discuss politics and entertain lively discussions about current events. He was a purpose-driven man. He was patient enough to teach himself how to fix his own car and along with plumbing and electrical processes, so he didn't have to pay someone else. He was meticulous when it came to tracking household expenses, his time at his job, his health stats--anything within his realm. He was frugal. He bought a brand new van and car in cash, just before he retired. One thing that he always told us was to learn as much as you can, learn to DO something, so that you don't have to go begging, hat in hand, for somebody to give you a job or anything at all.

William Simpson was called to his eternal resting place on May 29, 2023.

William was preceded in death by his parents, his grandchildren Adrian Durham and Cassius Simpson; his sister Annie L. Simpson; and brothers Lonnie Jr., Albert, Johnny, James, Otis, and Robert Simpson.

He is survived by his loving wife, 'Julie'; son William C. Simpson; daughter Cynthia L. Evans; son Paul Simpson; daughter Leslie Ortega; son-in-law Juan Ortega; son-in-law George Evans Jr.; daughter-in-law DeShonna Minor; granddaughter Ashley Norelle Simpson-Johnson; grandson Fredrick Durham; granddaughter Brittany Evans; grandson Cesar Simpson; grandson Paul Malik Simpson; granddaughter Shaeela Simpson; granddaughter Shanna Simpson; grandson George Evans Ill; niece Monique Richardson; longtime pals Charles Bradfield and Melvin Washington and a host of great grandchildren and friends.

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