Mr. William Fred "Short" Simpson, 96, passed away Tuesday, July 23, 2024, at Brookdale Assisted Living in Monroe, NC.  Born November 23, 1927, in Union County, NC, he was the son of the late William Roy Simpson and Georgia Thomas Simpson.  He was also preceded in death by his loving wife of 76 years, Frances in 2022, a brother, Cullie Max Simpson and a grandson, Cameron Blair Simpson.

Fred was drafted into the US Army and served during WWII.  He was always proud of his military service.  Soon after his return home to the Olive Branch, NC community, Fred began to work in the family-owned store, Simpson Service Station, that he owned for over fifty years.

He enjoyed quail hunting, NASCAR races and going to any place where friends or family were gathering.  He loved to drive his pick-up truck and was especially proud of teaching his three grandchildren how to drive in his pastures and farm fields.  Fred loved his Olive Branch community and never met a stranger.  He was a lifelong member of the Olive Branch Baptist Church and the Men's Sunday School Class.  Because of his military service, Fred was a member of American Legion Post 0440 of New Salem, NC for 73 years.

Those left to cherish his memory include sons, William Gregg Simpson (Julie) and Ted Simpson (Debbie); grandchildren, William Garner Simpson (Rachael), Wendi Simpson Howard (Shawn); great grandchildren, Gage Howard, Grayson Howard, and Adalynn Simpson.

A funeral service to celebrate the life of Fred Simpson will be at 10:00 AM, Saturday, July 27, 2024, at Olive Branch Baptist Church.  The family will receive friends following the service at the church fellowship building.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to Olive Branch Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, 8804 Highway 218 East, Marshville, NC 28103.