Henry Gray Simpson

Henry Gray Simpson passed away on January 15, 2026 at EveryAge (formerly Lake Prince) retirement community in Suffolk, VA, at the age of 94. He was born in Richmond, VA on October 3, 1931, the third son to Thomas McNider Simpson, Jr. and Caroline Ellis Simpson.

He grew up in Ashland, VA in the shadow of Randolph-Macon College, where his father was a professor, and he later graduated. He attended high school in Ashland, where he graduated as valedictorian, and played several sports including football, basketball, and baseball.

He learned to read music as a child, but also played the piano by ear. Throughout his life, he played for many people, including his fraternity brothers, his ship mates in the Navy, his friends in his retirement community, and his family. His children have special memories of standing by his piano, singing along while he played everything from hymns to cowboy songs.

Although he would have preferred to leave home for college, he had a wonderful experience at Randolph-Macon, and met many life long friends there, including his future brother in law. In college, he continued to play sports, including basketball, and was also a member of the Glee Club and Omicron Delta Kappa fraternity as well as Phi Beta Kappa academic honor society.

Upon graduation from college in 1952, he entered the U. S. Navy officer candidate school in Newport, RI and was soon commissioned as an officer. By the time he had his chance to really leave home, for deployment in the Navy, he had fallen madly in love with Christine (Polly) Brothers of Suffolk, VA, and did not really want to go. However, he had a wonderful experience in the Navy. He was fortunate to spend much of his time deployed on a goodwill tour in the Mediterranean, saw parts of the world he would not have otherwise, and met many great people who were also serving.

After his time in the Navy and a brief stint with DuPont in Martinsville, VA, Polly and Henry decided to move to her home town of Suffolk, where he began study in accounting at Old Dominion University. A few years later, he took the CPA exam and passed with the top score in Virginia, and among the top ten in the country.

Before long he started a CPA practice in Suffolk and felt very fortunate to have many great clients in a variety of businesses including insurance, farming, and others. He derived much satisfaction from helping these clients turn their skills and expertise into successful businesses - - as well he should have. His career as a CPA included service as the president of The Virginia Society of CPA's.

Although he worked extremely hard to make his and his clients' businesses successful, he always found a way to prioritize family, which eventually included two daughters and a son. He also enjoyed a number of other activities including tennis, bridge, and reading. After their children were grown, Polly and Henry had three very special dogs: Cassie, Geoffrey, and Dylan. Dylan moved to Lake Prince with them and became a beloved member of the LP community.

He became an active member of Main Street United Methodist Church and sang in the church choir for nearly sixty years. He also served in several other roles at the church including chair of the Finance Committee and as a member of the Administrative Board.

In addition to his career and church activities, his contributions to the community included service with the Obici Foundation, and involvement with plans to merge the cities of Nasemond and Suffolk, as well as the construction of a new library and jail.

He was predeceased by Polly, his wife of more than 60 years, as well as his parents and brothers Mac and Dan. He is survived by daughter Dale Hall and husband Jim, son Henry (Hank) and wife Molly, daughter Mary Quentin Barnes, and five grandchildren: Caroline Simpson Barnes, John Quentin Barnes and wife Kat, Laura Barnes, Nancy Simpson and husband Ethan, and Ema Dale Simpson.

Although he had many impressive accomplishments in his long life, he will be remembered most for his honesty, integrity, and kindness. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and friend to many.

The family is extremely grateful for the care provided by the Lake Prince staff and several other exceptional caregivers. Their love and care for Henry not only made his last few years much better, but also provided tremendous support for his family.

A service to honor and celebrate Henry's life will be held at Main Street United Methodist Church in Suffolk on January 24, 2026 at 11 AM with reception to follow. R.W.Baker & Co. Funeral Home, Downtown Suffolk Chapel is serving the family.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Main Street United Methodist Church in Suffolk, the Randolph Macon College Simpson scholarship, or charity of your choice.