Daniel Reese Simpson passed away November 14, 2020 in Birmingham Alabama after a brief illness. He was born February 8, 1955 in Milledgeville, Georgia to Martha and Roscoe Simpson, Jr., who preceded him in death along with his brother, John R. Simpson (Sandye).
Survivors include "Dan's" wife of 25 years, Phyllis Morgan Simpson; sons, Spencer (Marcy) and Robby (Caralie); step-daughter, Christie Werner (Clark); step-son, J.D. Lott (Brittany); six grandchildren, Violet Simpson, Jordan Werner, Ava Werner, Zeke Werner, Charleston Lott, and Quinn Lott; and one brother, Stephen (Susan).
From a very young age, flying aircrafts was one of Dan's greatest passions. He was an alumnus of the University of Montevallo on a US. Air Force scholarship. At college, he met Jenny Bozeman, to whom he was later married. They were blessed with their two sons, Spencer and Robby.
After graduating from college, Dan served his country flying the still-active Boeing B-52 during the height of the Cold War. He also served as an instructor pilot and check pilot in the Air Force before beginning his dream job — flying for Delta Airlines — where he recently retired following a 30-year career.
Most recently at Delta, Dan was an International Captain of the Boeing 767. He often quipped, “If it ain’t Boeing, I don’t fly it.” Also during his Delta career, he met his wife, Phyllis Morgan Simpson, and together they enjoyed 25 years of love, travel, and adventure, especially at their home on Logan Martin Lake.
Dan never met a stranger. With his quick wit and ubiquitous smile, he could always warm your heart and bring a smile to your face. He loved his family, his church, flying, and service to his country and community. If Dan had a most favorite thing to do, it was flying Delta Airlines’ charter of SEC football teams to Bowl Games — especially if that team happened to be the Alabama Crimson Tide!
Visitation will be held Monday, November 23, 2020 from 10-11 a.m. at Ridout’s Southern Heritage Funeral Home in Pelham, Alabama, immediately followed by A Service of Remembrance for Dan at 11 a.m. at the funeral home's chapel. A private gravesite committal service will be at Alabama National Cemetery, Montevallo.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Dan Simpson’s memory to Pell City First United Methodist Church, www.pellcityfumc.org; Discovery United Methodist Church discoveryumc.org or the donor’s favorite charity.
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