Phillip Simpson

Phillip Lee Simpson, 81, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on June 10, 2015. He was born Nov. 12, 1933, in Clinton, to Paul J. and Emma M. Hipkiss-Simpson. Preceding him in death were his parents; a brother, Robert Daniel Simpson; the mother of his children, Betty Glee Simpson; and a grandson, Justin Erik Benjamin.

Phil graduated from Clinton High School in 1953. After graduation he served his country in the U.S. Army and was proud to serve in the Korean War. Upon returning from his service he traveled to Kentucky to work in the family business. He was proud to support local unions and grateful for the opportunities provided by the unions through a long career including welding, painting and facility maintenance. He retired from Alcan in 2002. He also enjoyed working as a dance instructor at Arthur Murray Dance Studio, where he met the future mother of his children and married after a short courtship. Phil was also proud to have been a member of the Masonic Lodge, ultimately achieving 33 degrees. He was an active outdoorsman and had a love for the water. His family will fondly remember summers at Racoon Lake.

He believed his primary role in life was to serve as patriarch to his family. Phil guided the lives of four generations through leadership and fatherly guidance. He modeled generosity, gratefulness, humility and loyalty, and displayed his integrity for all. The value he placed on building and supporting the family will continue to have a significant and cherished impact. The foundation of love and faith will be proudly carried forward by generations to come. At the time of his death, Phil was the longest-standing member of Clinton First Baptist Church. His faith and devotion to Christ was fostered by the church throughout his life.

He will be remembered with love by his daughters, Sondra Jill Simpson and friend Don Humes, Cynthia Glee Skara and husband Michael, and Pamela Lynn Wheatley; sister, Paula Simpson Weston Rollins and husband Ed; son-in-law, Dean Tuft; grandchildren, Erin Elizabeth Brown and husband Jason, Sarah Glee Rodgers and husband Andy, William Levi Rollings and wife Angel, and Ericka Brooke Taylor; and step-grandchildren, Daniel Skaza, Michael Skaza Jr., Amber Scott, Stephanie Perrelle and Lindsey Skaza. He will also be missed by his great-grandchildren, Elliott Hayden Trosper, Jake McGee, Shane Marshall Warnock, Seth Mitchell Warnock, Iris Kay Brown, Hunter Chevy Callahan, Grace Dixie-Glee Rodgers, Leah Mae Rollings and Lilly and Conner Stranahan; and nephews and nieces, Jim Simpson, April and Renee Simpson, Jalin Gifford, Ashdon Frasier, Jake Patrick and Tyler Richmond. The family would also like to acknowledge Phil’s best friend, Andy Cottrell. Their friendship spanned 75 years, beginning in first grade. Phil regarded Andy as a brother and valued their friendship a great deal.

The family is very grateful to Heart to Heart Hospice for the care and support their staff has provided.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. today at Frist Funeral Home, in Clinton, with Masonic services to be at 7:30 p.m. Services will be officiated by the Rev. Don Rissler at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, June 16, 2015, immediately followed by graveside services at Roselawn Cemetery. Family and friends are welcome to join in fellowship and dinner to celebrate Phil’s life, graciously offered by Clinton First Baptist Church, following the graveside services.