Eric Simpkins

Eric Lee Simpkins, 72, of New Bern, NC, formerly of Bend, OR, passed away Monday, May 8, 2023 with his wife and son by his side. Eric was born on September 17, 1950 in Utica, NY and raised in Vernon, NY. He graduated from SUNY, New Paltz with a degree in Physics.

Eric’s first career was in the space industry, starting with General Electric and through the company changes to Lockheed Martin and spanning 20+ years. A stand-out achievement was working on the development of the Spacecraft Cassini. His second career was as Vice President of Business Development in the Renewable and Alternative Energy Industry until retirement in 2016.

Professionally he served as secretary and Board President of the National Fuel Cell Council.

Eric was an adult leader, Committee Chair and Merit Badge Counselor for Boy Scout Troop 25 in Bend, OR. and helped his son, Devan, achieve the rank of Eagle Scout. He attended the BSA National Jamboree in Valley Forge National Park, in Pennsylvania in 1964 and again at Ft. A.P. Hill in Virginia for the BSA Centennial Jamboree in 2011 with his son.

Eric had a great love for all travel; national and international as well as camping through the National Parks. He was passionate about astronomy and taught a number of programs, youth and adult. He loved nothing more than sitting in a beach chair on a sunny day at Ft. Macon.

He and his wife, Debra, moved to Fairfield Harbour in New Bern, in 2020 to return to the east coast and be closer to the ocean. Eric served on Fairfield Harbour’s POA Board as secretary in 2021-2022.

Eric was preceded in death by his mother, Dorothy Phister Stiles, his favorite aunt, Gloria Childress and his mother-in-law, Norma Taylor.

He is survived by his best friend and wife of 30 years Debra Burke-Simpkins, their son Devan Emerys Simpkins 24 of Layton UT, brother Peter L. Simpkins (Linda) of Lima, NY, father-in-law, Dale Taylor of Greenwood, AR, brother-in-law, Paul M. Burke of Benton Harbor, MI, sister-in-law, Amy A. Burke of Ft. Smith, AR; cousins, Dale Triplett, Laurel Penwell and Tracy Penwell, 4 nephews, 1 niece and 3 great nieces, 1 great nephew and his Golden Retriever, Berkeley. He is also mourned by numerous cousins, friends and colleagues.

A Celebration of Life is planned for September 17, 2023 at the Community Center in Fairfield Harbour.

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