Robert E. Simpkins' Obituary
Robert E. Simpkins, 91, of Germantown, was born in Memphis, Tennessee at his grandmother’s home on March 16, 1927. His mother, Helen Tewell, was from Missouri and his father, Harry Shaffer Simpkins, Sr., was from Nashville. He attended Christian Brothers High School, paying his own tuition by a variety of jobs. He graduated and was immediately drafted into the Army, serving in the Caribbean Defense Command during the last days of World War II. He joined the Army Reserves and was activated in October 1950 along with many of his friends. He was only a staff Sargent but was fortunate to obtain a direct commission as a 2nd Lieutenant and go on to serve during the War. He later retired from the Army Reserves as a Lieutenant Colonel. After the War, he entered Memphis State College graduation with a BS in Psychology. While at Memphis State, he was active with a social club and became the first initiated of Kappa Sigma. He was very proud of his relationship with the club and served as President of the Fraternity in his final days at school. Working two jobs most of the time, he finished his degree in three years. After the war, he worked for Dunn and Bradstreet where he met his wife, Jo Anne Seward. They were married in 1955 at the Presbyterian Church in Rosemark, Tennessee where Jo Anne grew up. They had two daughters and lived in several places prior to settling in Germantown, Tennessee in 1989. They attended several Methodist and Presbyterian churches before settling at Farmington Presbyterian where he served as an elder. Mr. Simpkins went on to work for Schering Plough after being interviewed by Abe Plough. He retired as a member from their Printing Division Management team. His main love and interests were his wife and daughters that he loved and cherished all his days. Mr. Simpkins was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Bonny Marie and Patricia, Harry Shaffer Simpkins, Jr., Governor Morris “Buddy” Simpkins, Marion “Mickey” Sumner Lipford, Lois Tewell Hollis and Agnes Jeanne Thomas. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Jo Anne Seward Simpkins, two daughters, Patti Simpkins and Cyndi Bennett (Bruce) and a grandson, Jonathan Bennett. The family will receive relatives and friends on Tuesday, July 3 from 11:30am until the time of service at 1pm at Memorial Park Funeral Home, 5668 Poplar Avenue in Memphis. The entombment will immediately follow at Memorial Park Cemetery in the Rotunda. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be sent to Farmington Presbyterian Church, 8245 Farmington Boulevard, Germantown, Tn 38139, or the charity of the donor’s choice.
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