William R. Simpson Sr.

William R. Simpson Sr. was born Monday, November 11, 1929 to the late Wm. Roosevelt Saunders and Mamie B. Miller in Wadesburg, Virginia. In the summer of 1941, Bill, at the age of twelve, met Addie L. Clark in Somerville, New Jersey. They maintained contact for 9 years. In 1946, Bill enlisted in the Army at sixteen and later earned his GED, fulfilling a promise to his mother to complete his high school education. On June 9, 1951, they married after Addie received her nursing degree. During 62 years of marriage and 71 years of friendship, their union produced two children, William R. Jr. and Claudette Michele'. While serving in the Army, Bill was awarded many certificates, commendations and awards. The military allowed for travel to Japan, Hawaii, Germany, Beirut, Iran, Italy, Greece, Turkey and a deployment during the Korean conflict. It was in the military he developed a strong commitment to be of service wherever he was stationed, whether as a drill Sargent - preparing new recruits for life in the military, performing his duties as part of the military police, or assisting a neighbor with a home repair. He excelled in all his interests and was always willing to share his many talents, which were always evolving. Free time included bowling, skiing, skating, home renovations and volunteering as a leader with the Boy Scouts.

In 1968, he retired from the Army and returned to Kentucky. He began working at GE Appliance Park - first as a guard, firefighter, EMT, ambulance driver and later providing security to the head of the company, as a driver and ambassador to any and all visiting dignitaries - foreign and domestic. He and Addie worked together refurbishing older homes in the Newburg area to help provide ample housing to parents with children. They often opened up their home to neighborhood children. They believed it was always important to share one’s knowledge, their time and their home, because children need positive discipline and examples of loving people in their lives, so the cycle can continue into the future. When Bill retired from GE, their plan was to travel, which he and Addie enjoyed until her declining health and passing on July 13, 2013. After the death of his wife, Bill increased his volunteering to include “Meals on Wheels”, taking people to doctor appointments, making repairs around the community, and going on golfing excursions -sometimes twice a week!

Bill was a special father and Papa. While he was playing games, taking trips or taking an interest in any and all activities, he encouraged his children and grandchildren to develop into well-rounded individuals.

Five years ago, Bill found Rosie Moye, a very special lady and companion, to travel with him on bus trips. Their love and affection sustained until Bill’s recent death. This allowed Bill to leave us on his own terms - when God called him home.

After a short illness, Bill departed from this life on Saturday, November 6, 2021. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, John Saunders; Robert Pickard; Tom Saunders; and Gary Saunders; sisters, Melinda Taylor; Rosie Saunders and Daisy Smoot. Left to cherish his memory is his special friend Rosie Moye, son, Bill Jr. (Josephine) Simpson; dau. Michele' Fowler; dil. Jean Simpson; four grandsons, Jamel Simpson, Jari Maddox, Greg Maddox,Tyrell Maddox; seven great grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, and a multitude of friends.

A visitation for William will be held Tuesday, November 16, 2021 from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Arch L. Heady at Resthaven, 4400 Bardstown Road, Louisville, KY 40218. A funeral service will occur Tuesday, November 16, 2021 at 2:00 PM, 4400 Bardstown Road, Louisville, KY 40218. A committal service will occur Tuesday, November 16, 2021 at Resthaven Memorial Park, 4400 Bardstown Road, Louisville, KY 40218.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.archlheadyresthaven.com for the Simpson family.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Stand up to Cancer at, https://standuptocancer.org/donate/ Stand Up To Cancer, P.O. Box 843721 Los Angeles, CA 90084

The Leukemia Society at, https://www.lls.org/ways-to-give

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Donor Services, PO Box 22324, New York, NY 10087