Name: Nelsen Funeral Home
Address: Williamsburg, VA

I can remember going to Mickey's home on Christmas evening and seeing the wonder Lionel trains that were under the Christmas tree.  I always wanted to have the same type of trains that Mickey had, but since my Santa Clause did not have the resources that Mickey's Santa had I was left to only wish.  I now have those types of Lionel trains and to this day I always remember those Christmas visits.  I also remember going to the Granby High School football games and seeing my cousin, Mickey, running the football from one end of the field to the other all night long.  What a player he was.  It made me proud to call him my cousin.  You will be missed, especially at Christmas.


Penny, I taught for many years at Lee High School with Mickey. He introduced me to the property that we bought in Noble Estates. Being my own contractor, he was so giving and shared his knowledge of house building and also shared a number of his contractors with me to use. We still live in this beautiful property. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

To Penny and family --
     I knew your husband (your father and grandfather) for only a very short time, and that was a long time ago. Yet the news of his passing hit me hard.
     As an eighth-grader at Hammond (1960-61), I had the good fortune to be in his homeroom and algebra classes. You, Penny, and Mickey must have been recently married then, because I remember thinking what a lucky lady you were.
     My hope, now, is that he made you feel lucky all the time; that he made your children and grandkids feel the way he made me, and so many other youngsters in his care, feel:  grown-up and capable, light-hearted and joyful -- passionate about learning and life.
     When, two or three years later, he left Hammond for a position at Lee High, our school seemed somehow diminished.  Everything was less bright, as when a light bulb burns out in a luminous room.  Young and resilient as I was, that loss took time to absorb.
     I can hardly imagine  the depth of loss your family now feels.  Yet I trust, in time, that his generous smile, mischievous wink, that warmth and brightness Mickey spread so freely through the world will return to each of you, and sustain you.
Mary Ames
Temecula, CA


A great story Mike:  As I recall, Coach Simpson wasn't wearing a helmet or any pads as he demonstrated to us linemen how to get down in a 3-point stance and uncoil like a spring.  This was 'live action' and when the dust cleared Coach Simpson had an ugly cut on his forehead.  We were all in haw.  Coach White White said just slap a band-aid on it.  Coach Simpson always lead the way with Hammond 'can do' / 'never quit' spirit.  Thank you Coach Simpson for the love and special attention you gave each of us on the field and in the halls.  I remember too how  supportive you were Penny of Mickey and the players after a big game.  My thoughts are with you durning this sad time.  Jim Mercer

Dear Penny
We were so surprised and saddened to hear of Mickey's passing, particulary having just seen you both several times over the past few weeks.  Mickey was always upbeat and with a spirit that always chased away any clouds.   Much to say but, having just heard the news, words somehow escape us.
Please know that our thoughts are with you.
John and Ann Milliman 

A very important item is missing from Mickey's long list of achievements.  Mickey was also the best lifeguard ever at the Inn Pool.  Though we hadn't seen each other frequently since my parents have gone, I will still miss our chance meetings and Mickey's sweet smile and twinkling eyes.  My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, Penny.  

Penny,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Bill will remember Mickey as a wonderful team mate.
We both cherish the fun times together.
God bless you and your family. 
Angel and Bill Marfizo

I played for Coach Simpson in the early 60's at Hammond. He was a great coach and better person. I always enjoyed catching up with him over the years at Tribe tailgates before the games.  He'll be missed, RIP Coach Simpson

Coach Simpson (football - Robert E. Lee H.S. 1981-1982) played a huge part in keeping me focused and accountable in high school.  I was a loose cannon and he frequently took time after practice to listen to my (and others’) frenetic ramblings and to offer his sobering advice.   I always knew he cared about us all.  What a kind and generous man.  Rest In Peace, Coach.  

Mr. Simpson was my Algebra teacher at Lee HS in the 80’s and one of the best Math teachers I have ever had.   If only I had him for Geometry.....maybe I wouldn’t have done so bad.    Other football classmates called him a Man’s man, and while that was true, even though there were football players in the same class as me,  he never played favorites and I felt like he really wanted us all to do well.   I did not know or recall that he had played football at W&M.   In size I don’t recall him being very big, but his character was big in a calm, dignified and cool way.  And I always wondered how a Math teacher could afford that blue Porsche!

Never had the opportunity to play for Coach since I blew out me knee, but he was my Math teacher. 
I was fortunate to be in the Northern Va Custom Builder's Council and knew him professionally and even more during his years in the Northern Neck.
Always Great to run into Penny and him at Oyster Roasts and other events....
Sorry for your family's  loss but happy he is no longer suffering.....
Live and Peace to all.

I always loved being around Mickey.  Always full of life.  A big hearty chuckle with a hand shake to match.  He always seemed to be a big believer of play hard and work hard.  It showed in his success.  I was fortunate to play football for Mickey, be in his math classes and work for him on his custom housing projects.  I am thankful for all of his guidance and friendship.  So many great memories and bonding moments I will cherish.   He was a great coach, a mentor and close friend. I will miss him very much.  My thoughts are with the Simpson family during this very tough time.

Mikey was my track coach and mentor at Hammond High School, especially senior year, 1959 to 60.  His leadership, friendship and coaching skills were instrumental in my getting an athletic scholarship to West Point.  I can still remember driving down to VA Tech to the state decathlon championships with him driving and me holding the pole vaulting pole by towels hanging out of the side of his car.  Somehow he had convinced me to enter the tournament which required learning several new decathlon skills in a matter of weeks.  We did OK, so he must have been right, as he most always was.

Mickey was the guest speaker at our Class of 1960 reunion event in Alexandria in 2014.  He had a great time telling stories about those great Hammond Years, and we really appreciated him driving up to speak to our class.  

Mickey Simpson will live in my heart forever.  Rest in peace, Coach.




Mickey was a true mentor to me when I played football and ran track at Hammond.  I'll never forget during a summer practice session he lost one of his contact lenses.  He had the entire football squad crawling on their hands  and knees looking for it. Another anecdote: I was a running back and he put himself on the defensive line and challenged me to run over him.  I put my head down, ran as hard as I could and knocked him out.  I could relate story after story of a personal relationship with Mickey.  He and I became friends years later and even contracted with him to refurbish a house I was buying.  What a LEGACY.  I was truly, truly honored to know Mickey

I had the distinct honor of having Mickey as my football coach at Hammond HS in Alexandria, Va. I have been doubly fortunate that, after we retired to Williamsburg, Va,  to be able to be reacquainted with Coach at W&M football games tailgate get togethers. Mickey and Penny were always gracious and welcoming, and I particularly  enjoyed the stories about our football exploits from his unique perspective! 

Never had the pleasure of being coached by Coach Simpson, but always heard that he continued the coaching traditions of Jim Mays, Harry (Red) Caughron, and Tip Downing. at Hammond High.  Each of them had a shared value-system that  cared for  us, as the student-athletes,  reminding us to place emphasis on our education. We, Hammond graduates, all benefited from having them in our lives. To Penny and other family members, we share your loss and hope that happy memories of Coach Simpson stay with you, forever. He touched so many lives positively. 

I had the pleasure of meeting Mickey as a 16 year old sophomore in High school and since then we only got closer. Not only was Mickey my High school football coach, the person responsible for me playing football at William and Mary (it surely wasn't because of my grades or SAT scores),  my biggest fan as a freshman as he wrote encouraging letters to me, a mentor for a young man trying to figure life out, but more he was a man who I loved and respected and  am proud to call him my friend. I will always hold the memories of the many times we spent together very close. 

Mickey Simpson was my math teacher and football coach at Lee High School.  He was a man’s man.  He was smart ,kind and generous.  He was also tough and a man of many interests. As the years passed after graduating I would see him from time to time in Northern Virginia or a William and Mary football game.  It was always great.  When I think of Mickey today I think of that big voice, strong jaw, him adjusting his glasses, and that pair of big strong hands. He seemed to know everyone. He was incredible. His impact will carry on through his family, friends, coaches, players, and students. I feel so fortunate that he had an impact on me.  My condolences and love to all friends and family.

Mickey Simpson was one of my heroes as I was growing up.  He was my coach for several years at Hammond High School, Alexandria, VA.  Not only was he a great coach, but also a shining example for young men to aspire to.  

More importantly, he and his wife Penney were my mentors, as I crashed head long through my teenage and college years.  We even maintained our friendship after I was married and moved back to the Washington, DC area.  Again, Mickey and Penney provided wise counsel as we settled into northern Virginia.  I will miss Mickey greatly:  coach, friend, mentor, husband, father -- he did it all amazingly well and with just a wee bit of panache.

OBITUARY

Milton Clarke Simpson Jr.

16 June, 1935 – 24 October, 2018

Nelsen Williamsburg

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