Ralph Simpson

Ralph Simpson, 80, a lifelong resident of Gilbert, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, April 22, 2013, at his residence surrounded by his loving family.

He was born on July 3, 1932 at Cow Branch of Gilbert to the late Randolph and India Justice Simpson.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by one half-brother, Nelson Simpson and one daughter-in-law, Wanda Fortner Simpson.

Ralph was a disabled coal miner, UMWA member and a member of the First Baptist Church of Gilbert for 50 plus years, who loved God, his family, and his church. He enjoyed hunting ginseng, fishing, playing the guitar, gardening, and spending time with his grandchildren.

Those left to love and cherish the memory of Ralph and to mourn his passing include his loving wife of 58 years, Adell “Bitt” Browning Simpson of Gilbert; his three sons: Roger “Blackie” Simpson of Surveyor, Gary Dean (Charlotte) Simpson of Gilbert and James Simpson of Gilbert; his three daughters: Carnetta “Sue” (Clyde) Keyser of Gilbert, Tammy (Dana) Browning of Hanover and Mary Alice (Jeffery) Testerman of Gilbert; his seven grandchildren: Beth Miller, Jason Keyser, Candice Salmons, Kathleen Browning, Ethan Browning, McKenzie Simpson and Justin Cline; his five great-grandchildren: Weston Starling, Hayden and Sarah Browning, Jacey Miller and Kadan Salmons; a very special sister-in-law and close friend, Sadie Hatfield of Wharncliffe; and a host of other dear family and friends.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to Sharon Simpson for all her help and support and Dignity Hospice Chaplin, Robbie Gollihue.

Friends may gather with the family at the Mounts Funeral Home Chapel in Gilbert on Thursday, April 25th from 6 pm to 9 pm with a special service at 7 pm with Rev. Denny May officiating.

Funeral services will be held at 1 pm on Friday, April 26th at the Mounts Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Ronnie Lester officiating.

Burial will follow in the Davis Cemetery at Justice.

Ralph will be carried to his final resting place by James Simpson, Trevor Miller, Justin Salmons, Weston Starling, JR Adkins and Stevie Dotson.

Honorary pallbearers are: Brad Starling, Nathan Hatfield, Clyde Keyser, Tom White, Tennis Hatfield, “Bo” Adkins, Ethan Browning, Jeffery Testerman and Dana Browning.

He is gone from our sight but never from our hearts.