Our beloved father, Bill Simpson, passed away peacefully on September 11, 2021, just a few days shy of his 95 ^th birthday in Baton Rouge. William Alva Simpson, Jr. was born September 16, 1926 to W. A. Simpson, Sr. and Mignon Smith Simpson in Downsville, La. He was attending Louisiana Polytechnic Institute (Louisiana Tech) when he was drafted into the army and became a medic. He served in the Pacific Theatre for WW II being among the first soldiers to land in Japan after the bomb. After the war ended, he was stationed at 8 ^th Army Headquarters in Japan. Seventy years later, he could still speak and read a few words of Japanese. He had a thirst for knowledge taking on new interests with regularity. He was an avid reader and read several books each week. He began each morning reading the newspaper from cover to cover which culminated in completing the crossword puzzle. He passed on this daily ritual to his daughters.  His interest and curiosity in the world and people never waned. Each year he cultivated a vegetable garden specializing in different varieties of tomatoes and cucumbers.  He taught himself to use a computer when he was 80 years old, and with broad intellectual curiosity, enjoyed conducting research on various topics via the Internet. At age 90, he expressed interest in learning to play the banjo. This interest led him to a young musician, Peyton Falgoust, who became his teacher. Through their mutual love for music and interesting conversations on many topics, a dear friendship developed.

Bill was involved in the pipeline construction industry for 50 + years and was well respected in the industry.  He loved his work and the people that he met among his many travels. His work ethic was extraordinary.

Bill was a Master Mason and 32 ^nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason. He was a man of few words, but possessed an enormous heart and love for his family.

Bill was predeceased by his loving wife, Margaret Evelyn Kelsey Simpson (Mickey), sisters Helen Hayes and Maxine Carter Godman, and his parents. Survivors include daughters Patricia Merrick (Scott), Baton Rouge and Peggy Holt (Robert), Fort Worth Texas.  His dearly loved grandchildren include Kelsey Mignon Merrick Albrecht (Matt), Houston, Texas; Stephen Simpson Merrick (Allison), Houston, Texas; Rachel Elizabeth Holt Hausser (Ford), Fort Worth, Texas; and Robert Mackinley Holt, III, Chicago, Illinois. He is also survived by his beloved great grandchildren Annie Kay Albrecht, Brennan James Merrick, Albert Ford (Tripp) Hausser III, and Lyda Elizabeth Hausser.  In addition, he is survived by his brother James Dawson Simpson (Juanita), his sister Elizabeth Young (Huey), and numerous nieces and nephews.  We would be remiss not to include his trusted dog and companion, Crown Royal.

The family expresses deep gratitude to Christina Pierce and Sommer Hudnall who helped take care of Bill the last few years. He adored both of these outstanding ladies. The family also wants to thank Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center and staff for the compassionate care given to Bill during his last days.

Service arrangements are entrusted to Farrar Funeral Home in Farmerville, La. Visitation will be held at Farrar Funeral Home Saturday, September 18 from 9:00 – 10:30 AM.  The service will ensue and will be officiated by Bill's nephew, Dr. J. D. Simpson, Jr., Executive Director of First Priority of South Mississippi.  Pall bearers will be Scott Stephen Merrick, Robert Mackinley Holt, Jr., Stephen Simpson Merrick, Robert Mackinley Holt, III, Albert Ford Hausser, Jr., and Matthew Jay Albrecht. A Masonic Memorial Service at Mt. Ararat Baptist Church in Downsville will be conducted by Billy Barnes.

Please make any memorials to a charity of your choice.