Appomattox: Shirley Richard Simpson, 65, passed away Thursday, December 7, 2006 at his daughter's home.
Born in Prince Edward County, July 16, 1941, he was a son of the late Charlie A. (Dick) Simpson and Visa Lou Lowe Simpson of Prospect.
He is survived by his former wife, Wanda W. Simpson; a son and daughter-in-law Donald and Myra Simpson; a daughter and son-in-law, Cheryl Simpson-Freeman, DVM and William N. Freeman, III; two grandsons, Chase and Nathan Simpson; four sisters, Mildred Lou Bales of Hampton, Peggy Kelsey and husband, Ray of Prospect, Polly Duncan and husband, William of Columbia and Lena Huddleston and husband, Tommy of Farmville.
Richard was a former Virginia State Trooper and later a corrections officer for the Virginia Department of Corrections. His first assignment as a trooper was in Wise County. Later he was transferred to Appomattox. He served in the U. S. Army as a Morse code operator, and was a member of the Army National Guard, 116th Engineer Battalion, 29th Division.
He attended Hargrave Military Academy, studied agriculture at N. C. State University and received a degree in criminal justice from Central Virginia Community College. Aside from his formal education, he was an avid student of history, and a charter member of the Appomattox County Historical Society. Richard also was a member of the High Bridge Chapter of The Sons of Confederate Veterans, Farmville.
In later years, Richard's greatest joys were spending time with his grandsons, and helping care for the horses, cats, dogs and other animals on his daughter's small farm. He spent many hours bush hogging and gardening, and loved to share his produce with friends and neighbors.
Funeral services will be held 3:00 pm, Sunday, December 10, 2006 at the Appomattox P. E. Presbyterian Church, located 2 miles east of Prospect at the intersection of route 460 and 645. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
The family will receive visitors at Robinson Funeral Home, Appomattox Saturday, December 9, 2006 from 4:00-6:00 pm.