A. Ace Clark Simpson

Ace used to say he spent a year at Oxford- Elementary School, that is. The family then moved to the East Lake neighborhood of Birmingham. He loved playing baseball, but hated having to work in the family garden! Growing up he was a member of Woodlawn Methodist Church and achieved the rank of Life Scout. He graduated from Woodlawn High School, where he was in the Warblers Choir.

After high school Ace moved to Washington, D.C., where he attended George Washington University and worked as a clerk for CAA (Civil Aeronautics Authority). While in college he was a member of Kappa Sigma fraternity. They gave him his nickname, saying he was their “Ace” in the hole with his Southern accent!

On November 7, 1941, Ace was drafted, but then given the opportunity to enlist. So he was honorably discharged, then enlisted in the Army. Although he spent time training to be a pilot, he was eventually chosen to be part of the 23rd Headquarters Special Troops, later referred to as the Ghost Army, a deception unit that served in the European Theater from Omaha Beach to Germany until the end of WWII. Their success at deceiving the Germans as to location and strength of the Allied Forces resulted in saving the lives of tens of 1000s of Allied soldiers. He was honorably discharged with the rank of captain on December 30. 1945. Being in this unit made Ace`s wartime experience classified until 1995.

After the war, Ace returned to Birmingham where he met and married Dorothy Minnie Norment, known as “Dot.” They were married one month short of 60 years, before she passed away in 2007.

Ace worked in sales and office design for several business supply and furniture companies during his career, including James A. Head & Company, Roberts & Sons, Bodine, Bryson, and Rolling, INC., and Zac Smith’s.

He was a member of Independent Presbyterian Church for over 65 years. Ace loved singing in the choir when he was younger and singing to God in the pew as he got older. His favorite hymn was “How Great Thou Art” which he could sing all the words to even after he turned 101. He also served the church as a deacon and elder.

In addition to being a part of the Ghost Army in WWII, he is also known in Birmingham as a dedicated golfer. Ace shot his age over 80 times. Although he played regularly at other courses over the years, his favorite was Roebuck. He outlived several sets of golf foursomes. He was still playing golf at the age of 95, but had to quit after he broke his hip.

Ace was preceded in death by his parents, wife Dot, and siblings Kate Simpson, Leon Simpson, and Sarah Simpson Knight (Wymer). He is survived by his daughter Dottie Simpson Bennett (Tom), son Clark Simpson (Frances), grandchildren Chris Bennett, Jeb Bennett (Savanah), Andrew Bennett, Melissa Simpson Monaghan (Adam), Daniel Simpson (Emily), Lauryn Simpson, Kaki Simpson, and six nieces and nephews.

He was a kind, generous Christian gentleman who loved his family and was loved by them. Ace was an excellent role model of someone who always tried to do the right thing. At the same time he was a humble man who recognized that his salvation was not based on how good he might be, but by faith and trust in Jesus Christ and His righteousness.

John 14: 1- 6 “’Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to Myself, that where I am, you may be also. And you know where I am going.’ Thomas said to Him,’ Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?’ Jesus said to him,’ I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through Me.’”

The family wants to thank caregivers Tasha, Alicia, Joy, Wendy, and Julia, the staff at Kirkwood By the River, and the St. Vincent’s South Tower 3rd floor staff for their kindness and care of him over the last 6 months.

A memorial service will be held at Independent Presbyterian Church, 3100 Highland Avenue South, Birmingham, Alabama 35205, on Monday, November 13, 2017, at 2 P.M. with visitation afterward in the church parlor. A private family burial was held earlier.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests you send a memorial donation in memory of Ace Simpson to the ministries of Independent Presbyterian Church, Samaritan’s Purse, or World Vision.

Arrangements under the direction of Ridout's Valley Chapel, Homewood, AL.