Simpson, John Ray

Mr. John Ray Simpson, 59, of Wilmington, N.C., died on January 8, 2012. He was born on December 29, 1952, in Radford, to the late Ray Chapman and Blenna Anderson Simpson. Mr. Simpson was preceded in death by his brother, Ronald Clay Simpson; and his sister, Thelma Simpson Pifer.

He is survived by his children, Sidney Blair Simpson, of Tampa, Fla., John Ray “Jay” Simpson Jr., of Westminster, Colo., and Florence Simpson Berry (Robbie), of Wilmington, N.C. He is also survived by his brother, William A. Simpson (Betty), of Pfafftown, N.C.; sister-in-law, Carolyn Simpson of Dublin; and brother-in-law Tom Pifer, of Dublin; as well as the mother of his children, Toncie Smart George, of Tampa, Fla.; several nephews, nieces, cousins; and he was very much looking forward to the birth of his first grandson this April.

Mr. Simpson graduated from Dublin High School and Virginia Polytechnic Institute. He received an MBA from Wake Forest University. Most of his life was spent in Pinehurst, N.C., where he held various sales positions in the insurance and resort industries, and enjoyed his passion for golf. He most recently held the position of Volunteer Coordinator for The Food Bank of Central and Eastern NC at Wilmington.

A Memorial Service will be held 2 p.m. Friday, January 13, 2012, at Stevens Funeral Home (815 Randolph Avenue, Pulaski, Virginia 24301, telephone 540-980-2600), preceded by a graveside service at 1 p.m. for the family. Visitation will follow the memorial service at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Mr. Simpson’s memory to The Food Bank of Central and Eastern NC at Wilmington, 1314 Marstellar St., Wilmington, NC 28401.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.andrewsmortuary.com Andrews Mortuary Market Street Chapel