Samuel (Sam) William Simpson

(Ret. Capt. USN) Samuel (Sam) William Simpson, age 90, of Gainesville, Georgia, passed away Sunday, September 28, 2014.

Graveside services will be held at 11:00 am Wednesday, October 01, 2014 at Toccoa City Cemetery. Dr. Tom Smiley and Rev. Don Ormsbee will officiate. The family will gather at Lakewood Baptist Church at 3:00 pm, following the graveside service on Wednesday for a celebration of life. Visitation will be held from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm Tuesday, September 30, 2014 at the funeral home.

Sam was a native of Toccoa, Georgia, born February 1, 1924, the son of the late Frank Reid Simpson and Mertis (Marchman) Simpson. He was an Eagle Scout and he played saxophone. He served in the United States Navy during World War II and the Korean Conflict, retiring in 1984 following a stellar 42 year active and reserve career as a Navy Captain. Sam graduated from Georgia Tech in 1948 with a degree in Industrial Engineering and was a member of CHI PSI Fraternity. He was instrumental in forming a jazz band throughout his college career. Following his military career, he was a Sales Representative for a number of furniture manufacturing companies. He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Elsie Mae (Smith) Simpson.

Sam is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Mae S. and David Earman of Gainesville, VA; sons and daughters-in-law, Samuel W. and Nancy Simpson, Jr. of Athens, GA; Lamar R. and Lisa Simpson of Madison, GA; Frank N. and Wendi Simpson of Gainesville, GA and Robert E. and Karen Simpson of Athens, GA; eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren and a number of other family and friends also survive.

In lieu of flowers the family has requested donations be made to the Endowment Fund of Lakewood Baptist Church 2235 Thompson Bridge Road Gainesville, GA 30501.

Memorial Park North Riverside Chapel 989 Riverside Drive Gainesville, GA 30501. 770-297-6200 or for those who desire online condolences at www.memorialparkfuneralhomes.com.