William Richard Simpson

William R. Simpson passed away on November 1, 2025 in Houston, TX at the age of 83.

To know Dick, as he was nicknamed, was to appreciate his uncanny ability to cut through the weeds and get to the point, find the humor in pretty much everything, and embrace the differences in people and cultures wherever he went. He was proud to have reinvented himself time and again, from oil field 'trash' to corporate 'suit', to golf-club maker, to PC builder and repairman, to master gardener and – to help himself navigate the pandemic era – a writer.

A 30-year career with Conoco took him first to Ponca City, OK then to Houston and places like Quito, Ecuador; London, England; Cairo, Egypt; Jakarta, Indonesia; and Moscow, Russia on international assignment. Born and raised in Luling, TX, his life was a journey he hadn't imagined for himself, and one that wrought myriad stories – mostly true. Among all the rewards he gleaned from that career, it was the mentorships and friendships born over those years that he valued most.

Dick was a prolific storyteller and lived by the motto "if the truth gets in the way of the story, stick with the story". If he regaled around the table at Sunday family dinners, his children would challenge his embellishments and there would always be laughter. If he was recounting Conoco stories over coffee on the back porch at home, he could get away with much more elaboration, undisputed.

He was a continuous learner, whether in his pursuits to master technology after retirement or his voracious reading about WWII, the backdrop for a novel he was still writing at the time of his death. A great conversationalist, Dick enjoyed convivial exchange and tried to steer clear of controversial subjects. That's not to say he skirted good debate – he could artfully cut you off at the knees with a "Dickism" if so moved, then follow up with a joke and move on.

His love for family was deep though not intrusive. He never held a grudge. He found value in what anyone had to offer and wasn't judgmental. And, he never spent a minute worrying about things out of his control nor wasted any energy on things he didn't feel were worthy. He was one of the good ones. He will be deeply missed.

Dick is survived by his wife of 28 years, Carol (Miller) Simpson; his three children, Rene McIntyre, Joseph Simpson (Martha) and Lynda Thomas (Douglas) – in whom he had great pride; his eight amazing grandchildren, Meagan Ritchie, Will Ritchie, Emily McIntyre, Sean

Thomas, Molly McIntyre, Jordan Thomas, Samantha Simpson and Andy Simpson, who carry on his legacy of love and laughter; and by his sister, Dena Kathleen Wenmohs, an artist and ranch owner. He will be remembered by nieces and nephews, Will Wenmohs, Roy Wenmohs, Lori Miklos and Cheryl Espinoza. He was pre-deceased by his mother Mary Dean (Harrell) Simpson, his father Joe Harry Simpson and his brother James Harrell Simpson.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00pm on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at the Schmidt Funeral Home, 1344 W. Grand Parkway South, Katy, Texas 77494. Guests who wish to share a story are invited to do so during the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages you to make a contribution to a charity of your choosing.