William Andrew Simpson

Artist and retired World War II veteran William Andrew Simpson’s love of life did not come to an end with his death. Will passed away peacefully on October 9, 2021 at the age of 101 in Jacksonville, FL surrounded by loved ones who will continue to honor his legacy by living their lives to the fullest.

Will, known by his oldest friends and family as Bill, was born on April 26, 1920 to Charles and Inez Simpson in Jamestown, NY. He was the oldest of 3 boys. He graduated from Jamestown High School, class of 1938, which was only a year behind classmate Lucille Ball (yes, that Lucille Ball). It was there that he developed his passion for writing and leadership and became the Editor-in-Chief of the Red & Green school newspaper and a class officer.

He attended the Cleveland School of Art to study another passion of his, which was drawing. He transferred to Syracuse University to complete his degree, but WW II altered his plans. He felt strongly about enlisting and attempted to get into the US Air Force but was denied due to imperfect eyesight. He then tried the Canadian Air Force, but was also denied. At that point, he was drafted and had memorized the eye chart exam so was able to meet the US military’s requirements and joined the Army as an infantry officer. He completed training and was sent to Europe with the 70th Infantry Division during the war. As he told it “he forgot to dodge a bullet and came back wounded with a metal plate in his head”. In fact, he fought courageously and was awarded a Purple Heart and Bronze Star for Bravery and was promoted to First Lieutenant.

After becoming a military veteran, he resumed his civilian career utilizing his passions and became the Art Director for Grant Advertising before moving overseas to work in various jobs. One of those jobs was as the Promotion Manager of the European Herald Tribune in Paris. He loved to travel and learned how to speak 5 different languages by immersing himself in each particular culture. While living in Mexico, he met his 1st wife Ana Maria Nolan-Naranjo and had two children, Andrea and Michael. After separating from his first wife, he followed his passions and lived in Africa, France, Spain, and Thailand, just to name a few of the places. It was in Thailand, where he had moved with his children from his first marriage, that he met his current wife, Nantana Singivipulya, and had two more children, Lynn and Amanda. He retired from the United Nations Educational, Scientific & Cultural Organization (UNESCO) where he was the Art Director of the Southeast Asian Office located in Thailand.

After officially retiring from the UN, he moved back to the States and continued to work as an artist, writer, and publisher in his spare time while also raising two small children and continuing his involvement with his two grown children. Will continued to travel during retirement and passed on a love of travel to all of his children. He was deeply involved with his local community and a supporter of the local art and music scene as well. The loss of William is truly and deeply felt by his family and friends and he will be forever loved and forever remembered.

William was preceded in death by his mother, father, brothers Edward and Theodore, and 1st wife Ana Maria. He is survived by his loving wife Nantana; children Andrea Simpson, Michael Simpson, Lynn Dupraw (Gabe Dupraw) and Amanda Osborne (Tom Osborne); grandchildren Nicole Greene (Eric Greene), Kaitlyn Dupraw, Jasmine Dupraw, Cael Osborne, Kyla Osborne, Cullen Osborne; niece Cindy Simpson.

The visitation/receiving of family and friends will be from 1:30-2pm on Sunday, November, 14, 2021 and the memorial service will follow immediately after at 2pm at the Beaches Chapel by Hardage-Giddens located at 1701 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250.

The military burial will be Monday, November 15th at the Jacksonville National Cemetery at 2:15pm. The cemetery is located at 4083 Lannie Road, Jacksonville, FL 32250. Lane # 2

Arrangement are under the care and direction of HARDAGE-GIDDENS FUNERAL HOME In Jacksonville Beach FL.