Gary W. Simpson

Gary W. Simpson, 76, of Meridian, passed away peacefully during the early morning hours of Saturday, August 16, 2025, at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson.

Gary was born to Willard B. and Esther L. (Nelson) Simpson on July 24, 1949, in Brinkley, Arkansas. He attended Brinkley High School, where he played both football and basketball. Gary married his high school sweetheart, Mary Ann Denton, on May 18, 1968. In January of 1969, Gary enlisted in the United States Army National Guard in Arkansas, serving for six years. While serving his country, he was awarded the Expert Rifle Badge as well as the United States Army Reserves Components Achievement Medal. He then began his career with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which also led to him being stationed at Misawa Air Force Base in Japan for two different tours, a total of six years, during his career. 

After relocating from Huntsville, AL to Meridian, to be closer to their son and grandson, Gary and Mary Ann became members of Northcrest Baptist Church, where they have remained for many years. Gary was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. In his early years, he enjoyed hunting and fishing, basketball and softball. In his later years, he enjoyed walking for exercise, doing projects at his home, helping others, and enjoying his grandson, Caleb. Just six months after his grandson was born, Gary retired from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, where he served as a Quality Assurance Specialist. Gary’s absence will be felt by all who knew and loved him, however, his family rests in the assurance that he is fully healed and resting in the arms of Jesus.

Those left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 57 years, Mary Ann Simpson; his son, Chad B. Simpson; grandson, Caleb B. Simpson; brother, Joe (Pat) Simpson of TX; brother-in-law, Don (Brenda) Denton of AR; along with many nieces, nephews, and beloved friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Willard B. and Esther L. Simpson; his brother, Don (Jean) Simpson; and his sisters, Iris (J.S.) Mitchell and Carolyn Shumard.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service for Gary will take place on Thursday, August 21st, beginning at 10:00am at Northcrest Baptist Church in Meridian, with Dr. Wade Phillips officiating the service.

Burial will take place in his hometown of Brinkley, Arkansas at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests for memorial donations to be made in Gary’s honor to the Roadside Rescue Network, to the Underdog Rescue of Arkansas, or to your favorite charity of choice.

The staff of Webb & Stephens Funeral Homes-North is grateful for the opportunity to honor Gary’s life and memory and to serve his loving family during this time.

Roadside Rescue Network: PO Box 921, Marion, MS 39342

Underdog Rescue of Arkansas: 338 Mill Road, Cotton Plant, AR 72036