Donald Simpson

Donald Roy Simpson, age 80, of Northport, Alabama passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 27, 2024 surrounded by family. He will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle.

Donald was born on January 12, 1944, to George Reed and Florence Simpson. He grew up in the Samantha, Alabama Community on a farm. He attended Northside and graduated class of 1961.

Following high school, Donald enlisted in the Alabama Army National Guard, where he became a sergeant. He met Helen Shelby at a Northside homecoming game, fell in love and married on March 12, 1966. He worked at BF Goodrich for 40 years before retiring. He retired from the Alabama Army National Guard after 40 years as well.

Donald would tell you the achievement he was most proud of was his family. He loved being a husband, father, and grandfather. He was loving and devoted. He loved being able to provide and take care of his family. He did it so well not only financially but through his unconditional love, support and actions. He had a nurturing heart and intentional in letting his loved ones know how much he loved them. When he did not have our hand, he always had our backs.

Donald always supported his children and grandchildren by being their number one fan. He showed up and always cheered them on no matter what hobby, program, or academic achievement was taking place. Accomplishments big or small always meant to be celebrated.

Donald always was a calm presence in a room. He was not the loudest or most talkative but he was intentional, attentive, present and ready to always add humor to the conversation. He showed his love through acts of service for his family and always tried to find ways to make life better for others. He held onto Southern family tradition and passed those down, and was always prepared for anything and could calm a storm by massaging or scratching our backs. He loved flannel, chocolate almond ice-cream, peanuts and peanut butter mixed with Gold Eagle Syrup.

Donald was preceded in death by his parents George Reed and Florence Poe Simpson, siblings Jerry Simpson and Geraldine Strickland (Justin). Left to cherish his memory is his devoted wife of 58 years, Helen Shelby Simpson; his children Patrick Simpson, Angela Simpson and Holly Tanner (Robert); his grandchildren, Danielle Simpson, Lillie Barnett (Jake), Annie Simpson, Ivey Jane Tanner, Lucy Beth Tanner and grand-pup Lockie; his great-grandchildren, Landry Kate Barnett and Beau Barnett. He is also survived by a sister-in-law Linda Simpson and many nieces and nephew who love him and will miss him dearly.

A visitation for Donald will be held Friday, March 1, 2024 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Sunset Brown-Service Funeral Home, 3802 Watermelon Road, Northport, Alabama 35473 followed by a Celebration of Life at 12:00 PM. Burial will occur in Sunset Memorial Park following the service.

Serving as pallbearers are Steve Simpson, Kevin Simpson, Troy Strickland, Jason Falls, Jeremy Swindle, Nick Shaw. Honorary pallbearers are Bobby and Judy Swindle, Danny and Mary Crowe, Alisha Alexander and Northport Medical Center ER and ICU Dept..

We believe still today what we have always believed: that God is good, that the world he made is extraordinary, and that his comfort is like nothing else on Earth.

Sunset Brown-Service Funeral Home, a Dignity Memorial Provider, is honored to serve the Simpson family during their time of bereavement. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.SunsetBrown-Funeral.com