Charley Davis Simpson

Charley Davis Simpson was born in Fitzgerald, Georgia on January 5, 1934, and lived in Carnesville, Georgia for the past 32 years. He passed away on June 10, 2022 in Norteast Georgia Medical Center Gainesville, Georgia. On Sunday June 26, 2022, his family and close friends came together at Smitty’s Family Restaurant in Carnesville (Charley’s favorite Bar-B-Que Joint) to celebrate his life.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas Peter Simpson and Minnie Estelle Anderson Simpson; siblings, James Elizabeth Simpson Lax, Jack Anderson Simpson, and Mary Ann Simpson Gafford; son, Robert Anthony (Tony) Simpson; and son-in-law, Henry Quillian Wilson II. 

Charley grew up in Fitzgerald, GA, where he discovered his love of horses at an early age.  He graduated from Fitzgerald High School in 1953, where he met his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Dixie Carol Boggus.  Charley and Dixie wed on January 15, 1955. 

Charley served in the U. S. Army, 1954 – 1956, and was stationed on a military base in Zweibrücken, Germany. His new bride Dixie joined Charley in Germany. Dixie lived with a German family for the remainder of Charley’s service. Dixie became good friends with Helga, the family’s teenage daughter. They were able to visit Helga in 2006 on a vacation where they visited some of the places they remembered so well.  They continue to stay in touch with Helga through email and Christmas cards. 

Charley and Dixie returned to Fitzgerald, Georgia in 1956 where Charlie began his career at Allied Building Materials.  In 1960 he moved his family to Chula, Georgia near Tifton. He rose to management with Allied before going to work for Cherokee Brick & Tile who moved him to Gainesville, Georgia to serve as their North Georgia Sales Representative. 

In 1975, Charles Parks, one of Charley’s closest friends, encouraged him to take a leap of faith and start his own business, Simpson Brick Sales.  Over the years his sons, Dave, Tony, and Jake were able to work alongside him in the business. Simpson Brick grew to 4 locations with 50+ employees. Charley owned and managed the business until he retired in 1995. 

Charley was an avid horse trainer and breeder.  He was involved with the American Quarter Horse Association, American Paint Horse Association, and American Cutting Horse Association.  Charley had horses throughout his life, teaching his children how to ride and care for them.  Charley’s love and care of horses was one of the many things Dixie loved most about him.

Charley and Dixie relocated to a horse farm in Carnesville, GA in 1990.  Here Charley was most at peace, riding and caring for his horses.  He also bought his first cutting horse Osage Royal Mount and took up cutting.  Later he was able to share his love of horses with his grandchildren. 

All that had the pleasure of knowing Charley, whether they were friends, employees, or family, knew he was a true cowboy at heart teaching the value of hard work, the importance of family, and the love of horses. 

Charley is survived by his wife of 67 years, Dixie Carol Boggus Simpson; his son, Charley Davis Simpson, Jr. (Dave) and his wife Susan and their children Charley Davis Simpson III (Davis) and Lydia Diane Simpson; his son, Thomas Jacob (Jake) Simpson and his children Matthew (Matt) Anthony Simpson and Lillian (Lily) Ruth Simpson Cross and husband Henry Cross; his daughter, Rebecca (Becky) Lee Simpson Wilson and her children Ashley Wilson, Pepper Wilson (Todd Morgan), Alleah Crawford (John), William Davis Wehunt (Laura), and Andrew Caleb Wilson (Amber Shildmyer); his great-grandchildren, Allie Thomas (Levi), Hank Wilson, Rachel Morgan, Faylee Crawford, Levi Wilson, Jack Crawford, Kate Wehunt, and Maggie Wehunt; his great-great-grandson, Morgan Thomas; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Charley donated his body to the Emory Medical College. A funeral will not be held.  Those wishing to send condolences may email the family at [email protected]. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Eagle Ranch. Visit https://eagleranch.org/ for guidance on donations.