Charles Payne Simpson, Jr.

SUMMER SHADE – Charles Payne Simpson, Jr. departed this life peacefully at his home July 11, 2023. Charles was born in Metcalfe County, Kentucky on March 15, 1938, the only son of the late Charles Payne and Lou Mae Word Simpson.

Anyone who knew Charles was to know that he was a man of few words and a brilliant mind who excelled in all areas of engineering mechanical and electrical applications. If he could dream it, he could build it. What most do not know is that he lived a full life with many unspoken achievements.

After graduating from Metcalfe County, he worked as a mechanic at Morgan’s Garage in Sumner Shade. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army. He later moved south to the Virgin Islands with his cousin Richard Keen where they helped build the first airport runway.

Charles was a licensed pilot and worked at McMurtrey Quarry Company as a foreman. He later worked for SCRTC and retired after 35 years of dedicated service.

Survivors include his wife of 34 years, Janie Lou Smith Simpson; a son, Greg Simpson (Melissa); two daughters, Vonda Pace (Brad) and Theda Whitlow (Michael); six grandchildren, Gregory Ryan Simpson (Candice), Jarrod Wesley Simpson (Brittany), Sidney Elizabeth England (James Bishop), Quentin Tanner Pace, Sabashtyn Neal Bunch, and Gregory Sawyer Mosby; four great-grandchildren, June Hadley Simpson, Aida Wren Simpson, Sadie Josephine Simpson, and Amelia Presley Bishop; a sister,  Martha Ellen Bowels; a brother-in-law, Edward Smith (Sheila); and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother-in-law, Joe Bowles; mother and father-in-law, Thurman and Louise Smith; and a son-in-law, Gregory Paul Mosby.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, July 15, 2023, at McMurtrey Funeral Home with burial in the Summer Shade Cemetery. Visitation will be on Saturday after 10 a.m. at the funeral home.