Joe Simpson

Joe Preston Simpson, Sr. LANCASTER - Joe Preston Simpson, Sr., age 89, passed away on Sunday, May 12, 2013, at Morningside Assisted Living. He was born in Loudon, Tennessee in 1923 to Nell Dyer and Homer Harrison Simpson. Surviving him is his wife of 62 years, Charlaine Cash Simpson, originally from Chattanooga, TN. Their best friends arranged a blind date for them to meet before their college graduations, which ironically occurred at the same hour on the same day in different cities. The Simpsons were married a year later in Tennessee. They enjoyed a fine partnership as husband and wife; he encouraged her musical interests and she supported his interests in nature and many professional endeavors. They shared a love of family, their friends, and international travel. His children and grandchildren adored him. They are his daughter, Ruth Simpson Welesko and her husband Duane Michael Welesko of Macon, Ga; son, Joe Preston Simpson, Jr., and his wife Elizabeth Wylie Simpson of Lancaster. The Simpson grandchildren are Holly Simpson McInnis and her husband Michael DuBose McInnis of Simpsonville, SC; Joe Preston Simpson, III and his wife Anna Brown Simpson of Charlotte, NC; Wylie Harrison Simpson of Lancaster; David Michael Welesko of Chattanooga, TN and Ashley Alexandra Welesko of Atlanta, Georgia; and great grandson Brady Adams McInnis. Joe Simpson was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Homer Vaughn Simpson of Loudon, TN. After graduation from Loudon High School Joe went into the U. S. Navy in 1942 and spent four years serving mainly in overseas duty. Returning from active duty he entered Tennessee Wesleyan College and graduated in 1948; he received his Bachelor of Science in Forestry from The University of Georgia in 1950. He began his career in Forestry in Chattanooga working for the Department of Conservation from 1950-1958, then he became a District Forester with Catawba Timber Company, a division of Bowaters International, Lancaster Area. During his tenure with the company, he served as President and Woods Manager for its operation until 1989 when he retired. Joe was recognized for his outstanding and insightful leadership skills throughout the community and state. Governor David Beasley appointed him to the South Carolina Forestry Commission, and in this capacity Joe was able to demonstrate his considerable knowledge of Forestry, one of the state's most crucial economic assets. In the Lancaster community, he also was involved in civic and church organizations holding positions of leadership; President of both the Lancaster Rotary Club and the Lancaster Chamber of Commerce; member of the Springs Hospital Board; and an active member of the First United Methodist Church. Joe was the consummate outdoorsman. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and especially loved salmon fishing. He instilled his passion for nature in Joe, Jr. who could never forget memories of salmon fishing with his Dad in Alaska. His grandsons and other sportsmen learned from Joe Sr. the pleasures of the outdoors. All his family and friends agree that Joe Simpson, Sr. knew how to live, how to make fun out of life's adventures and mysteries and how to share his many gifts with others. He made a real difference in the lives of all who knew him. He was always a source of encouragement to both of his children, Ruth and Joe. He loved them unconditionally. He was "Papa Joe" to all of his grandkids and to everyone who knew him. His generosity was unsurpassed. "Celebrate Life" was Joe Simpson Sr.'s motto. The Memorial Service of Remembrance will be held at 2 PM Wednesday, May 15, 2013 at First United Methodist Church in Lancaster with Reverend Charles Phillips officiating; family will receive friends Tuesday May 14, 2013 from 6:00 to 8:00PM at McLean Funeral Directors Mahaffey Chapel and again from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM in the church parlor on Wednesday May 15, 2013. Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church, Post Office Box 608, Lancaster, SC 29721 and also to Hospice Care of South Carolina, 412 North White Street, Lancaster. Online condolences may be posted at www.mcleanfuneral.com. McLean Funeral Directors, Mahaffey Chapel is serving the family of Joe P. Simpson, Sr.