Larry Brent Simpson

Larry Brent Simpson passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on May 12, 2019 at Springhill Memorial Hospital in Mobile, Alabama. Larry was born June 13, 1944 to Robert and Phyllis (Wertz) Simpson in Lansing, Michigan, the youngest of three children. He is survived by his beloved wife Cherry, his five children, Rachel, Taylor (Eric), Regan, Ryan, Brent, six grandchildren, and sister Roberta.

As a young man Larry played drums and drag raced in the NHRA Nationals in Detroit, MI. Larry graduated from Kendall College of Art and Design, Grand Rapids, MI. He earned a BFA from the Minneapolis College of Art and an MFA from Michigan State University. Larry was a respected, published artist, with work exhibited internationally in museums and collections. He was a Professor for over 40 years at several universities, including, Ohio University, Prairie State College, North Texas State University, and the University of South Alabama. Larry helped build Graphic Design Programs and he was the Chairman of the Visual Arts Department at the University of South Alabama. He loved teaching, sharing his passion for art, mentoring, and inspiring his students. Larry was highly regarded by his students, which was one of his proudest achievements. Art was where work met love for Larry. He had a great appreciation of all arts and was especially fond of the Mobile Opera.

Larry always listened to people, never left anyone out, and had a real passion for serving his community and Church. He was a very caring, compassionate person, and always put the needs of others before his own. With his humor and kindness, he formed bonds with strangers bringing joy to the day. He loved having conversations with his children and grandchildren, sharing his experiences and values. His proudest family moment is sitting in church with his children and grandchildren.

It was the simple things around him in life that he never took for granted, commenting daily how fortunate and thankful he was. Above all, Larry was absolutely devoted to his wife, children, and grandchildren. He was a man of strong faith, believing in the power and strength of Jesus Christ's love and the beauty and peace that would await him after his passing.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, May 16, 2019 from 5:00-8:00 pm at Saving Grace Lutheran Church, 1500 Snow Rd South., Mobile, AL. 36695. Funeral service will be held at 10:00 am on Friday, May 17, 2019 at Saving Grace Lutheran Church with burial at Pine Crest West Cemetery, 1599 Snow Rd, Mobile, AL 36695. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in honor of Larry to: *Pilots for Christ at pilotsforchrist.net, P.O. Box 707 Monroeville, AL 36461 or *WELS-Nepal Projects Fund, checks made out to WELS, Attn: WMO-Nepal Projects Fund, WELS CMM N16W23377 Stone Ridge Rd., Waukesha, WI 53188.