Jerry R Simpson

Reverend Doctor Jerry Randolph Simpson, 81, of Jacksonville, Florida went to be with the Lord on August 7, 2021. He was born on March 16, 1940, in Crandall, Georgia, orphaned and then adopted at the age of 5. Frederick and Dorothy Simpson lovingly raised him alongside his sister Elizabeth in both Michigan and Wisconsin. He joined the Air Force, having a great passion for service and for all types of aircraft. Later in life, he could often be found at Naval air shows and parked at the end gates of any runway enjoying the views and sounds of planes taking off and landing. After completing his service, he continued his education at Baptist Bible College, Pillsbury Bible College, Luther Rice Seminary, and Liberty University, ultimately earning a Doctor of Ministry Degree. Throughout his life he pastored, ministered, counseled, and taught at many churches, seminaries, and schools, sharing his passion and curiosity for the Bible and for deepening relationships with Christ. Jerry loved meeting people and spoke with almost everyone he encountered, developing friendships and deep connections with people from every walk of life. His present, attentive, and caring nature came through in everything he did. He really loved to talk and talk and talk and he delighted in lifting others up, always making sure to share the Gospel in any way he could before walking away. He was known by name at most places he went because of his special “Jerry” humor, personal conversations, and his genuine way of complimenting others to make them feel loved and appreciated. He loved boats and the water, lighthouses, dead trees, learning about everything, marmalade, his countless number of books and building places to store them all, Hardee’s dark brown chicken biscuits with butter on both sides and a large Diet Coke with two inches of ice, jet aircraft, jokes with puns, hard work, serving others, Skippy peanut butter because it didn’t have the nibs, getting away for the weekend, classic cars, sharing his grandchildren’s snacks, making up words and giving nicknames, and spending hours in the Word of God and in prayer communing with the Lord. But most of all, far beyond anything on Earth, he loved his family.

He is survived by his beautiful, sweet, best friend and wife Stacy, who was the love of his life.

He is also survived by his children: Jeff and Brenda Summers, Jon Simpson, Jennifer Simpson, Brianna and Mike DeOsca, Billy and Mychal Hagin, Josh Simpson, Rebekah Simpson, and daughter-in-law Kathryn Simpson. His grandchildren: Steven and Nicole Simpson, Caitlyn Simpson, Jacob Simpson, Trystan and Stefanie Cobb, Aryanna Wolfe, Callie DeOsca, and Julia DeOsca. His great grandchildren: Alexander Simpson, Maverick Simpson, and Zofiya Cobb. And his former wife: Wenda Zimmerman-Nelson.

He was predeceased by his parents Frederick and Dorothy Simpson, sister Elizabeth Simpson, his precious son Timothy Simpson, and former wife Terri Simpson.

He considered all his friends to be family and would do anything to help anyone hurting or in need. He would want us all to rejoice and celebrate his passing as his glorious entry into the open, loving arms of God and his Heavenly home.

In lieu of flowers, and as a way to continue his legacy, please continue to pray and witness to those who still need Jesus in their lives and hearts. Jerry’s life goal was to lead as many people to Christ as he could, and we know that he wants his family and friends to continue to win souls for the Kingdom of God so that everyone can join him in Paradise when their time comes.

A memorial service will be held at Dunn’s Creek Baptist Church 1425 Starratt Rd on Friday August 20, 2021 at 5:30 pm.

“Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your Master’s happiness!” Matthew 25:23 NIV