Born in Anderson County, he was the son of the late Jim Henry (Doss) and the late Eula Maxwell Simpson.

After completing basic training at Green Bay, Great Lakes, Illinois, he served in the U.S. Navy in WWII as Ships Cook on the USS Missouri-BB63 and the USS LST 515.
Until their retirement, he and his wife, Maggie, owned and operated Harold’s Incorporated, a popular furniture and appliance store located in downtown Honea Path. Harold was also a former District Manager for the Associated Distributing Company and in 1968 he was named Salesman of the Year for the entire state of South Carolina and became a Sales Manager in 1977. Through Philco, he and his wife sponsored visits to Honea Path by six Miss Americas; Lee Meriwether – 1955, Sharon Ritchie – 1956, Marian McKnight – 1957, Marilyn Van Derbur – 1958, Mary Ann Mobley – 1959, and Lynda Mead – 1960; and hosted each in their home. For many years they also sponsored the Miss Honea Path and Tiny Tots contests.

As well as being a business leader, Harold was very involved in civic affairs. He was a Charter Member of the Junior Chamber of Commerce and served as State Director. He served as President of the Honea Path Merchant’s Association and during that time, the 100 year Centennial Program was produced and he became chairman of that program. He is a former member of the Anderson County Welfare Board, a Lions and Elks Club member, American Legion Member, State Director for the Honea Path Jaycees, and was an honorary State Constable for over 30 years. He was a very active member of Keowee Baptist Church and member of the L.O. Ashley Sunday School Class. He was an usher, served on the Church Busing Committee, the Cemetery Committee, and a number of times on the Church Building Committee. He also served as a Trustee of the church and became Chairman Emeritus of the Trustees. He worked tirelessly for his church, his family, and for the better growth of his community. He was also known for his cutting humor and as an avid golfer. He would laughingly say that he “liked to try to play golf” and spent his spare time playing with his many golf buddies.

He is survived by six nephews; Jim Henry Simpson II of New York, Tommy Blackwood Simpson and Raymond Edward Simpson of Charleston, SC, Danny Bannister of Belton, SC, Lee Ashley of Honea Path, SC, and Steve Ashley of Houston, TX; and nine nieces; Donna Embler of Atlanta, GA, Cathy Wood of Belton, SC, Barbara Blackwood Simpson of Charleston, SC, Pam Wood and Rhonda Hogan of Demorest, GA, Janna Honicutt and Carla Powell of Belton, SC, Sharon Shanley of Honea Path, SC, and Kimberly Karnes of Huffman TX; and a large number of great, and great-great nieces and nephews.

Along with his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers, James Horton Simpson, Herman Lee Simpson and Raymond Edward Simpson; and one sister, Mildred Simpson Embler; and two nephews, Randall Lee Simpson and Tony Ashley.

Funeral services will be held at 3 PM on Wednesday, March 9, 2016 at Keowee Baptist Church with Rev. Tony Lee officiating. Burial will follow in the Garden of Memories in Belton, SC.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday from 2 to 3 P.M. at Keowee Baptist Church prior to the service. The family will be at their respective homes. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Hospice of the Upstate, 1835 Rogers Road, Anderson, SC 29621. Online condolences may be made at www.ParkerWhitePruitt.com