Obituary of Stephen Simpson

Stephen Ray Simpson, age 82 of Winter Haven, Florida passed away on Wednesday, January 24, 2024 at the George C. Forsythe Hospice House in Auburndale, Florida.  Steve was born on May 15, 1941 in Maysville, Kentucky, a son of the late Fred (Sharkey) Simpson and Margaret Cobb Simpson.  He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Betty Goddard Simpson; a son, Tim Simpson of San Francisco California; three stepchildren, Tim Mann (Kristina) of Leesburg, GA; Michael Mann of Winter Haven, FL; and Cyndi Mann Bloom (Devon) of Lake Wales, FL.  He is also survived by seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by a brother, Robert (Marty) Simpson. 

 After High School, Steve joined the United States Marine Corps in 1958 and was honorably discharged in 1961.  Following his service in the Marine Corps, Steve attended college at Morehead State University where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology.  He subsequently held positions as Social Worker, Probation and Parole Officer, Juvenile Justice Counselor, Child Advocate, and Delinquency Case Manager for various agencies and Labor Relations Specialist for the Department of the Navy (DON).  He retired from the DON in 1992.  

Steve was dearly loved by his wife and returned that love faithfully.  He loved spending time with his grandchildren taking them to playgrounds and on walks, reading to them, and watching movies with them.  He enjoyed camping and hiking and learning about different cultures and religions.  Steve was generous and kind and volunteered his services to Meals on Wheels and Habitat for Humanity.  He also contributed routinely to various charities. 

A memorial service will be held at the Oak Ridge Funeral Care in Winter Haven, FL, on February 17, 2024 at 11:00 a.m.  The family will receive friends and family from 10:00 a.m. until the funeral hour. 

In lieu of flowers those desiring may make memorials to Good Shepherd Hospice, 105 Arneson Ave, Auburndale, FL. 33823.