Albert E. SIMPSON

HAMPTON - Mr. Albert Eugene Simpson, affectionately known as "Punk", a lifelong and dedicated resident of Hampton, Va., and member of First Baptist Church, departed this life on Wednesday, Dec. 22, 2010.
He was born to the late John and Eva Tates Simpson on July 13, 1931, and preceded in death by siblings, Cecil, William, John, Celestine, Mary and Conseola.
A devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, friend and mentor, he leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Louise Walker Simpson; one daughter, Miya T. Simpson, Ph.D. of Cincinnati, Ohio; seven sons, Albert S. Simpson of Fayetteville, N.C., Barry Melvin and Kevin Melvin, both of Hampton, Va., Brian Melvin of Petersburg, Va., Jeffrey Melvin (Sharice) of Colorado Springs, Colo., Morris C. Lewis and Eric Lewis (Isabelle) of Louisville, Ky.; 13 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren; one sister, Esther Lyles of Bronx, N.Y.; a loyal and trusted neighbor, Franklin Harrison; a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.
Mr. Simpson served in the United States Army from 1950-1953, before joining the United States Postal Service, where he was employed for more than 30 years, until his retirement. Not one to remain idle, he continued to work in various capacities following his retirement and was most recently employed with the Hampton Police Department, as a Crossing Guard, until August of this year.
A tireless advocate, humanitarian, leader and change agent, he worked hard to improve his community and the lives and living conditions of those around him. He served as President of Old North Hampton Community Organization (ONHCO) for nine years and was instrumental in establishing several initiatives to address community needs, encourage and support youth, engage residents in social, civic and political affairs and create a safe, attractive, concerned and cohesive community. In recognition of his service, he was recently honored with the renaming of the street where he resided for nearly 40 years, to be known now and forevermore as Albert E. Simpson Street.
Mr. Simpson was a highly respected member, for 40 plus years, of Eastern Star Lodge #13 of the MWPHGL of VA, Free & Accepted Masons, Inc. As a Worshipful Past Master of his Lodge, his Masonic expertise and working knowledge of the Holy Bible marked him as a great leader among Masons and one who easily managed the title of Mentor. He served his Lodge as its Marshal for many years and served the Grand Lodge as a W. Assistant Grand Tiler before becoming ill. His love of Masonry and his Bible directed his path through life.
Mr. Simpson loved his Savior, family and community. A respected scholar, orator, conversationalist, mentor and friend, he lived and loved life and never met a stranger. He will be missed by many.
Viewing will be held from noon to 6 p.m. today, Dec. 28, 2010, at Ronald C. Perkins Funeral Home, in Hampton, Va. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 29, 2010, at First Baptist Church in Hampton, Va. Due to inclement weather conditions, Interment will take place at 11 a.m. Thursday, Dec, 30, 2010, in Hampton Memorial Gardens. Arrangements by Ronald C. Perkins Funeral Home. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.