David Simpson

David Bennylee Simpson age 78 of Etowah, Tn. died Thursday, December 1, 2016 at a local Athens, Tn. hospital. He was a member of Mount Olive A.M.E. Zion Church, where he sang in the male chorus and was a steward and a trustee. He was a 1960 graduate of Cook High School in Athens, Tn. and served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam Era, receiving an honorable discharge, a good conduct medal, and an expert as an M-1 marksman. He was retired for CSX Railroad as an engineer for over thirty-eight years. He was also a former McMinn County Chapter NAACP president, where he was awarded the President’s Award, and was also a member of the Boaz Lodge Brotherhood of Masons.
He is preceded in death by his mother, Helen Tennie Wiley, father Floyd Dickey, and step-father Milles Simpson, wife of 41 years Betty J. Simpson, sister Marie Simpson, and brother Ronnie Simpson.
He leaves to cherish his memories, three daughters, Tara Simpson of Etowah, Tn., Charlita (Gene) Cox of Cleveland, Tn., and Marissa Marshall of Chattanooga, Tn. Two sons, David Simpson and James Simpson both of Etowah, Tn.Six grandchildren, Branden Simpson, Armuun Simpson, Shane Simpson, Lorriel Simpson,Khaleel Marshall, and Kaylee Simpson. Two great-grandchildren, Kynlee Simpson, and Layla Simpson. Two sisters, Chernell Simpson and Anna(Johnny) Mooney all of Etowah, Tn. A loving niece, Trina Smith, and a host of other relatives and friends. Honorary pallbearers will be Sonny Lowary, Benny Jackson, Larry Jones, Chris Smith, and Edwin Cates.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, December 7, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. at Mount Olive A.M.E. Zion Church with Rev. Joe Moore delivering the eulogy. The family will receive friends one hour before the service from1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. at the church. Interment will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery in Etowah, Tn.