Alfred Kirkland Simpson ("Kirk")

Kirk was born in Milton, Florida, to William Simpson and Aurestine Jacqueline Kelker on October 5, 1943. He grew up in Tallahassee, Florida, and graduated from Florida A&M University, a school beloved by the Kelker family for generations. He proudly served three years in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. Kirk built a decades-long career as a pharmaceutical sales representative, retiring from GlaxoSmithKline. In his 30s, Kirk turned his hobby as a long-distance runner into a side-career, competing with professional sponsorship. He was a "clean" and healthy eater before most of us knew those terms. 

Kirk was passionate about photography, trains, politics, football (Go FSU), and cars. He was an avid listener of many genres of music, enjoying an extensive collection of LPs — the best way to listen, in his view. For those lucky enough to taste them, he was a self- proclaimed master of homemade chocolate chip cookies and stove-top kettle popcorn. He was a man of simple needs who lived life exactly on his own terms.

Kirk is survived by his only child, daughter Lisa Cohen (husband Vincent Cohen, Jr.), and her mother, Jeannette Simpson Edwards; grandchildren Vincent III and Laila Cohen; sister Andrea Alexander; brother Michael Jones; cousins Laurestine Porter, Albert Porter, and Cheryl Readus; lifelong friend Lawson Thomas (wife Barbara); and many nieces, nephews, and cherished friends.

In keeping with his wishes, Kirk was cremated on August 25, 2026, and will be inurned at Arlington National Cemetery, with his remains to be flown from Atlanta to Washington, D.C.  A military honors and committal service will take place at Arlington National Cemetery, and a Celebration of Life will follow.

Further details will be shared once a date is confirmed by Arlington National Cemetery. The family understands that scheduling can take over a year.

Kirk's family wishes to extend sincere thanks and appreciation to Emory Hospital, Heritage Hospice, Diamondstone Personal Care Home (Moses and Edna Jackson), Winifred Young, and H.M. Patterson & Son Dignity Memorial.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations made in Kirk's name and memory to the Amyloidosis Foundation, linked below:

Amyloidosis Foundation

7151 N. Main St., Ste. 2

Clarkston, MI 48346

248.922.9610

www.amyloidosis.org