Richard Simpson
RINGGOLD — Richard Allen Simpson, 73, passed away April 29, 2018, at a local hospital.
He was born in Cleveland, OH, but lived most of his life in the Rossville and Ringgold area. Rick was born to Eugene Haynes and Mary Haynes Crawford; however, due to the untimely death of his father, family members Robert and Georgie Simpson adopted Rick and his sister, Mary Jane. Rick was a U.S. Army veteran serving in Vietnam from 1968 to 1970 in the 82nd Airborne receiving two Bronze Stars, the National Defense Service Medal, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal. He also served in Operation Desert Storm from 1990-1991. He retired in 1998 from the Tennessee Army National Guard. After his retirement from the military, he worked as an over the road truck driver for F.M. Russell for over 20 years, retiring in 2001.
Rick spent the last 17 years volunteering alongside his best friend Charlie Hobbs serving veterans and the community in VVA Chapter 203 of Chattanooga. He was First Vice President of the Chapter, leader of the Honor Guard and a member of the Hat Ceremony team. Rick received Soldier of the Year in the Chattanooga National Guard and was recognized as Veteran of the Year in Walker County.
Rick was an avid Atlanta Braves fan and TN Vols fan, and loved drag racing and watching NASCAR. He played Adult Softball for many years and was known to be a switch hitter. Rick also enjoyed playing sports and attending his children’s and grandchildren’s athletic events.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Eugene and Mary Crawford and Robert and Georgie Simpson.
Survivors include his wife of 47 years, Joyce Wallin-Simpson; son, Robert “Bob” (Billie) Simpson; daughters, Kristy (Javier) Simpson Alvarez and Misty (Carlos) Simpson Graves; brother, Gene Garmany; four sisters, Patty Hokkanen, Mary Jane Cotter, Shirlee Schwarz, and Towana Hodges; five grandchildren, Eric, Kristen, Jordan, Felipe, and Heisman; and four great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Condolences may be sent to www.lane-southcrestchapel.com.
Funeral services will be held Thursday at 1 p.m. in the South Crest Chapel officiated by Randy Lynn. Interment will follow in the Chattanooga National Cemetery with full Military Honors provided by the VVA Chapter 203.
The family will receive friends Wednesday from 3 to 8 p.m. at the South Crest Chapel of Lane Funeral Home and Crematory located at the end of historic Missionary Ridge, Rossville.