John William Simpson

J.W. Simpson, 77, of Abilene, passed away Tuesday, September 6, 2011 at his home. Visitation will be from 5:30 to 7:00 pm on Thursday, September 8, 2011 at The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road. A memorial service will be held at 10:00 am on Friday, September 9, in the chapel at First Baptist Church. Dr. Phil Christopher and Rev. Palmer McCown will officiate. Graveside services will be private. J.W. was born in Island Forty, Tennessee to Willie and Mary (Howard) Simpson on November 28, 1933. He graduated from high school in Marion, Arkansas in 1952. After graduating from high school, J.W. moved to Abilene. He married Lynnette Simpson in Sweetwater, Texas on April 25, 1954. He retired in 1992 from the U.S. Postal Service where he worked as a Postal Register Clerk for many years. J.W. was a member of the Greater Abilene Kiwanis Club for 15 years. He also served on the Board of Directors of the American Heart Association from 1986 until 2010. J.W. enjoyed coaching sports. He coached girls softball, Little League Baseball and the basketball team at University Baptist Church. From 2001 to 2010, J.W. worked part time at Hendrick Medical Center. He was a member of First Baptist Church for many years where he served as an usher and a deacon. He was preceded in death by both of his parents. J.W. is survived by his wife, Lynnette Simpson of Abilene; one son, Steve Simpson and wife Ramona of Stephenville; one daughter, Darla Wallace and husband E.C. of Aberdeen, Maryland; three brothers, Bill Simpson of Kerrville, Ray Simpson of Gatesville and Albert Simpson of West Memphis, Arkansas; two sisters, Dorothy Lagos of West Memphis, Arkansas and Mary Chambliss of Marion, Arkansas; and four grandchildren, Marc and Bryan Simpson and Brittany and Ethan Wallace. Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association, 149 N. Willis St., Suite 10, Abilene, TX 79603; the American Cancer Society, 3402 N. 1st St., Suite 102, Abilene, TX 79603; or to the City Lights Ministry in care of First Baptist Church, 1333 N. 3rd, Abilene, TX 79601.