John Gray Simpson

SIMPSON, John Gray, 44, of Highlands, NC and formerly of Tampa, passed away April 24, 2013. He was a sixth generation Floridian descended from four pioneer Florida families: Lesley, Cleaveland, Wootton and Bryan. He was predeceased by his grandparents, Hazel W. and Thomas E. Gray and Geraldine L. and Arthur A. Simpson all of Tampa, and is survived by his parents Jane and Nathan Simpson, his brother, Nathan Bryan Simpson, Jr., his aunts, Allen Simpson Murray and Hazel Gray Hanlon and his uncle, Arthur A. Simpson, Jr. and many loving cousins and friends. He was a graduate of H.B. Plant High School where he became a state champion tennis player and of Emory University with a B.S. in finance. He was employed by Lykes Pasco Packing Co., Tampa Electric Company and Old Edwards Inn and Hospitality Group. He was a member of St. Andrews Episcopal Church of Tampa, the Merrymakers Club and Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla. Funeral services will be conducted by The Rev. John Reese and The Rev. Canon Gerald Stadel at St. Andrews Episcopal Church, Tampa on Tuesday, April 30 at 10:00am, with a brief reception following in the church parish hall. Interment will be at Myrtle Hill Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be Shane Grundy, John Hammer, Clark Hobby, Campbell McClain, John McWhirter, Drew Pittman, Thompson Rankin, Clay Thomas and John Touchton. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in John's name to St Andrews Episcopal Church Foundation or to charities of choice.