SIMPSON, William "Bill" Samuel Jr., Bill was born in Richmond, VA, the son of the late William S. Simpson, Sr. and Violet (Cervarich) Simpson, brother of the late Nancy (Simpson) Steinmiller.

The family moved to Norfolk, VA in 1940 where his father worked for the C&P Telephone Company, and back to Richmond in 1950. Bill graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in 1954 and Randolph-Macon College in 1958. Bill enjoyed interning at Randolph-Macon in the school's news bureau, and the two summers he spent as an intern in the sports department of the Richmond News Leader covering softball and stock car racing.

Bill married the late Charlotte Christine (Hart) Simpson in April 1969 and the couple moved to Chapel Hill, NC, where Bill earned a master's degree in library science at the University of North Carolina. That led him to what Bill considered the most fascinating career he could ever imagine at the Richmond Public Library's downtown branch from 1971 - 1995. In 1994 he was selected to receive the 37th annual Sherwood Reeder Memorial Award as the City's Employee of the Year.

Bill became a local history enthusiast while in library school and published many articles in a variety of different journals and newspapers, most under his own name or anonymously, and some under the names of his friends Bernard Henley and Hiram Askew, who supplied him with their own research.

Bill published the eight-volume Richmond Quarterly, the seven-volume Virginia Baptist Ministers: A Biographical Survey 1760-1790, and the five-volume Second Baptist Church Sports Heroes. He was also an avid researcher of amateur boxing history, and enjoyed music (classical, bluegrass, and New Orleans Jazz), and slapstick comedy.

He loved his family, his friends, cookies, and his kitties and dogs. But the love of his life was his beloved Charlotte, with whom he shared a 41-year marriage and whom he adored. Charlotte died in December 2010. He leaves two daughters, Catherine (Simpson) Nase, and Helen (Simpson) Owens, son-in-law Steven Owens, grandchildren Marian Hart Nase and Henry William Simpson Nase, soon to be granddaughter-in-law Cloie Wahl, great grandson Ryder William Nase and brother-in-law William Steinmiller. Bill and Charlotte were members of First Baptist Church; Grace Baptist Church; River Road Church; and finally, Second Baptist Church.

In lieu of flowers, friends may wish to contribute to the Richmond SPCA, or to a charity of their own choosing. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, November 19, 2023 at 2:30 p.m. at Second Baptist Church, 9614 River Road, Richmond VA 23229. The burial will be private.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Richmond Times-Dispatch on Nov. 12, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for William Simpson

Sponsored by Woody Funeral Home Parham - Richmond.

9 Entries

Chris Bukowski

March 30, 2025

My condolences to you Cathy and Helen. I hope you're both holding up. God bless you. Grace and peace.

Cynthia Simpson

November 21, 2023

I remember Bill. Always happy and ready to help when I worked at the Library with him. Condolences to his family

Connie Harter Burton

November 15, 2023

Bill!!!! I am sorry to see this loss. Oh I do remember you well. You worked at RPL along with my mom, Peggy Harter. The stories you all would come home & tell. I enjoyed your Richmond Quarterly publications very much. He had a great sense of humor. He adored his family. I am so sorry for your loss.

Meg Howell Malik

November 13, 2023

I am so sorry Helen. Your dad´s smile was contagious and I remember his kindness and wonderful sense of humor. My love and prayers to you and your family

Jim Sanderson

November 12, 2023

I worked alongside Bill in the Literature and History Dpt. at Richmond Public.
He was an amazing source of information on local history and a very amusing guy to work with. He became a good friend and later my favorite boss. I will always cherish the experience of knowing him.

Mary Simons

November 12, 2023

We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with Family and Friends at this very difficult time
NEW VISION TELEPHONE PIONEERS RICHMOND COUNCIL

Elizabeth Morelli

November 12, 2023

We were friends first, and my supervisor second. Wonderful person, librarian and dedicated individual to his family, church and friends. We spent so many days carpooling and just talking about life.Lifelong memories here. I will miss him.

Frank R. Bridge

November 12, 2023

Bill and I worked shoulder to shoulder at the Richmond Public Library during the 1970s. He was kind, supportive, and a dedicated professional. We often extended our days together by my driving him home to his family after work.

He adored his wife and children, and they were his universe outside of his work and related church and intellectual pursuits.

My career pursuits took me away from Virginia until the early 2000's, when we renewed our relationship. We had many wonderful lunches together, discussing Virginia history and culture.

He was a treasure to all who knew him, and I am saddened to hear of his passing.

Carol Tuck Worthy

November 12, 2023

Bill was such a kind and thoughtful man. He was a dear friend to my father for many years. He is surely in Heaven and reunited with his wife for eternity. God bless him! My sincere condolences go out to Bill's family during this difficult time. The family will remain in my continued thoughts and prayers. Rest in peace, Bill. You will be truly missed. ~ Carol Tuck Worthy, Naples Florida

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