Mr. Charlie Simpson, 95 of Cleveland, OH (recently of Camp Hill) died Sunday, October 6, 2024, in Camp Hill. Public viewing and visitation will be at Vines Funeral Home Chapel on Wednesday, October 9, 2024, from 4:00 p.m. (CST) to 6:00 (CST). A Homegoing Service will be held at a later date at Holy Trinty Baptist Church, Cleveland, OH.
Charlie Simpson was born May 11, 1929, in Goodman Mississippi, an only child, to parents Willie and Mary Simpson. He spent many of his early years in Goodman, and then Chicago, before settling in Cleveland, Ohio. Family responsibilities impacted Charlie’s education, as he completed school through the eighth grade. One of the many things you can say about Charlie is that he was always a hard worker! His career started early with picking cotton, window washing, and employment through the Morgan Linen Service for 10 years. All this before, what he was best known for, providing full car-care service to the Cleveland community through Gulf and Sohio/BP service stations for 33 years before he and his faithful partner, Bernice, retired on March 1, 1999. What many may not know is that Charlie gave back to the community by providing first-time jobs to many young black men, including his own sons. What a legacy! Our family could not go anywhere in the city without someone stopping over to see or say hi to Charlie, as he was known and loved by many! Retirement could not keep this man down, as Charlie continued to serve the community during their time of bereavement through the Watsons, Rodgers, and Cummings & Davis Funeral Homes, until his health prevented him from driving.
Charlie rarely spoke of his community contributions. However, Charlie was recognized by the U.S. House of Representatives and Cleveland City Council for his contributions to the Garrett Square Economic Development Corp. He received many BP America awards including, the Friendly Business Relations and Gratitude awards, along with a host of proclamations at his retirement. He sponsored many sports teams and radio station WABQ for Christian broadcasting, and was a member of the Fraternal Order of Masons.
Charlie accepted Christ at an early age through the Bethlehem Baptist Church of Goodman MS. In Cleveland, he attended the Greater Abyssinia Baptist Church from 1957 until becoming a charter member of the Holy Trinity Baptist Church in 1961, where he has served as co-chair of Usher Board #1. He also liked working with the Mission Board and could always be seen serving in the church kitchen with a smile. In July 2023, Charlie relocated to Camp Hill, AL to be cared for by his son & daughter-in-law, Willie & Shirley Simpson. With this relocation, Charlie has stolen the hearts of new friends and family at the Sardis Baptist Church.
Charlie was preceded in death by his devoted wife of 68 years, Bernice. He is survived by his eight children: Lula (Willie) Spurill, Chicago, IL, Mary Swoop, Israel, Willie (Shirley) Simpson, Camp Hill, Otha Simpson, Bolingbrook, IL, Jerome (Dorothy) Simpson, Colorado Springs, CO, Leon (Doris) Simpson, Covina, CA, Celestine (Wesley) Gary, Beechwood, OH and James (Maria) Simpson, North Carolina; 19 grandchildren & 45 great-grandchildren and a host of family and beloved friends.
