Edward Harding Simpson

Edward Harding Simpson, age 87, died Saturday, March 29, 2008 at his home in Collinsville, surrounded by his family. Service will be Monday, March 31, 2008 at 2 p.m. at the Wilson Funeral Home Chapel with Pastors George Wyrosdick and Charles Phillip Deitz officiating. Burial will follow at Copeland’s Bridge Cemetery, with full military honors. Mr. Simpson was a lifelong resident of Collinsville, having lived his entire life on the same plot of land. He was a member of the Church of God Mount Carmel. He was married to Mary Julia Parrish Simpson for 52 years, she having predeceased him in March 2000. He was the husband of Helen Thomas Simpson, a devoted father, and a veteran of World War II, having served in the Battle of Normandy from Utah Beach to Bad Hall, Austria, including the Battle of the Bulge. He was a member of the 319th Infantry, Company A, serving from 1942 until 1945, receiving the Bronze Star. He was honored to have had the opportunity to tour France and Germany in the Golden Anniversary Year of the Battle of Normandy, retracing the actual World War II route of his company as they moved across Europe and visiting the grave of his closest comrade at the American Military Cemetery in Luxembourg. Mr. Simpson faithfully attended his military unit reunions, keeping relationships with those who also served their country in World War II. Mr. Simpson’s passions included his family and the farm he had known since a child. Reared with his nine siblings on that farm, he eventually ran it in the old tradition of both feeding his family and making a decent living, instilling in his children a work ethic and a commitment to family that still serves them. Family gathering were frequent and filled with energetic children, great conversation, plenty of good food, and naps. His outside interests included active participation in the Republican Party, supporting the county organization as a campaigner and contributor; additionally, he was active in local agricultural organizations and activities, and continued to run his farm well into his ninth decade. A lifelong churchman, he was a leader in the congregation, and respected as a man of conviction and determination. Mr. Simpson was preceded in death by his nine siblings and parents. Survivors include his wife, Helen Thomas Simpson, Collinsville; Carol (Lloyd) Battles, Billie K. (Gerald) Farley, Tommy (Jane) Simpson, Sammy (Renee’) Simpson, John (Cecelia) Simpson, all of Collinsville, Charlotte (Paul) Campbell, of Phoenix, Arizona; Shirley (Rickey) Wills, Ricky (Peggy) Simpson, of Collinsville; Merle (Steve) Isbell, of Fort Payne; seventeen grandchildren, fifteen great- grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews and loyal friends.

Edward Harding Simpson

February 16, 1921 - March 29, 2008