James William “Billy” Simpkins, 82, beloved husband of 55 years to Mary Alice Owens Simpkins, peacefully entered into his eternal rest Tuesday morning, Feb. 21, 2017, at his residence at Savannah Square Personal Care Home in Blythe. Funeral services with full military honors will be held in the James Funeral Home Chapel at 3 p.m., Friday afternoon, Feb.24, with Dr. Earl Richards and Chaplain Finley Limehouse officiating. Interment will follow in the Blythe United Methodist Church cemetery.
One of six children born to the late Sallie Kate Bunn Simpkins and the late J.Otis Simpkins, Billy was a native of Forsythe but also lived in Mobile AL and Miami FL. A true patriot, he joined the army at the age of 22 and served two tours in Vietnam, receiving several medals include the Silver and Bronze Stars. He retired from the military as a Staff Sergeant in Tactical Communication with over 20 years of service. He then was a Captain with Sizemore Security, retiring with 28 years of service. Billy enjoyed being outside in the peaceful nature, fishing, playing card and board games, especially word search puzzles, cooking and baking. He was very artistic and expressed himself through his paintings. It has been said that he could turn the world on with his smile. Even though he was a quiet, mild-mannered, meek person, Billy had a great sense of humor and never met a strange—he had a way of making people feel comfortable and safe. Beyond all else, he absolutely adored his wife and loved his family. His canine buddies, Mikey and Josh, brought much laughter and joy to his life. A loving husband, dedicated family man and loyal friend, Billy was a soldier for his country and for his Lord. He has now left this foreign land and gone home to Glory.
Billy was also preceded in death by four siblings, Robert Simpkins, Frank Simpkins, and Rose Ivey. Other survivors include his two sisters, Ann Korby (Russell) of Allouez MI, and Lynda Sarkisian (Don) of Seneca SC; sister-in-law, Joann Mullins (Wayne) of Greenville AL; a special niece who was like a daughter, Roseann Fiest (Rick) of Waynesboro; special friends, Bert Johnson, Jerry and Chuck Reeves, Anita Long, Ondell Lay, Charles Jaillette and Suzanne St. Pierre; and several nieces and nephews. Pallbearers will be the Army Honor Guard.
The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks and gratitude for their love and excellent, loving care to the staff at Savannah Square Personal Care Home and to Ronny Voss, Leigh Alexander and other staff of Regency Hospice.
The family will receive friends at James Funeral Home from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Friday afternoon, Feb. 24, prior to the funeral services.
Visit www.JamesFHWrens.com to sign the guestbook and to post condolences.
James Funeral Home, 630 North Main Street, Wrens GA 30833 was in charge of arrangements.