Born in Laurens County, he was a son of the late Wilford Alfonso and Katie Clark Hughes Simpson. He was twice married, first to the late Emma Lee Mattison Simpson. He was a member of Harmony United Methodist Church, a church he helped build and where he had over 50 years of perfect attendance. A veteran of the U.S. Army, he had worked for many years as a brick mason. He loved the Lord, cherished his family, and his favorite hobby was fishing. When greeting visitors, he was sure to say, “It’s good to half-see you!” because he was blind in one eye. That one eye had a certain sparkle to it, an indication of his sense of humor and his love of life. Many times a day, he could be heard saying, “Praise God! Thank you, Jesus!” He is now in the presence of God, joining with all the saints to praise Jesus for His saving grace.
Surviving are two sons, “Elroy” Simpson, of Donalds, and Lamar Simpson (Nancy) of Greenville, a daughter, Fay Sprouse (Billy) of Ware Shoals, seven grandchildren, Ashley Floyd (Ryan), Sarah Polson (Jonathan), Laura Catlett (Jay), Elizabeth DeVier (Mitch), Lydia Nichols (Jared), Butler Sprouse (Kara) and Stacey Bass (Johnathan), ten great-grandchildren, Aiden Doyle(Madison), Anna, Brantlee, Deacon, Emma, Lily, William, Ben, Davis, and Henry, a great-great-grandchild, Raelee, with two more great-grandchildren on the way, Jack and Hazel.
He was predeceased by his parents, four brothers, Lee, Alex, Johnny and Frank Simpson, three sisters, Sarah Simmons, Iris Hannah, and Nancy Roach.
Funeral services will be held at Harmony United Methodist Church on Friday, June 12, 2026 at 11 AM with Rev. Janice Hughey and Rev. Bill Rogers officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
The family will be at their respective homes and will receive friends from 10 to 11 AM Friday the 12th prior to the service at the church. The family requests flowers be omitted and memorials made to Harmony United Methodist Church, PO Box 55, Ware Shoals, SC 29692.
The family will forever be grateful to Shaylia LaBoone and Gerry LaBoone for the compassionate care they provided to Roy and Nell.
Online condolences may be made at www.ParkerWhitePruitt.com (http://www.parkerwhitepruitt.com)