Richard Wallace Simpson Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

On June 28, 2022, Richard Wallace Simpson, loving husband to Bettie Potter Simpson passed away at age 92. Richard was born on March 13, 1930 to A. Edward and Helen “Susie” Simpson in Chester, Pennsylvania. After graduation from Chester High School in 1948, Richard headed south and enrolled at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. While at UT, Richard was a proud member of Phi Sigma Kappa, serving as Treasurer of the UT Chapter in 1952. Following graduation, Richard was commissioned into the US Army as a First Lieutenant. He proudly served in Korea through 1955 and as a reservist until 1961. He was honorably discharged after these years of service. Following active duty, Richard joined Magnavox which ultimately brought him to Greeneville. After many years of work at Magnavox, Richard retired to work on his farm. Richard had a passion for life; whether it be enjoying golf with special friends, making the trip to Keeneland to enjoy a day of horse racing, enjoying a relaxing day in Hilton Head followed by his favorite meal of oysters, or simply spending time with family and friends. These things made him happy and you knew it when he shared that big smile and infectious laugh with you. He also reserved a special passion for The University of Tennessee athletics, and would always fill you in on what he thought of the latest teams to compete for the Big Orange. Richard was faithful member of First Baptist Church in Greeneville. He proudly served as Sunday School Director at the church for over 50 years. Richard was preceded in death by his first wife: Maxine Simpson; his father: A. Edward Simpson; his mother: Helen Simpson; and brother: Robert Simpson. He is survived by wife: Bettie Potter Simpson; sister: Elaine Ewing; niece: Karen (Ron) Day; step son Jeff (Laura) Potter, step daughter Debbie Potter (Knipp) Sumrall, great nephews Corey (Carrie) Day and Christopher (Gretchen) Day, five step grandsons: Travis Potter, Ryan (Kathy) Potter, Andrew Potter, Jacob Knipp and Ben Knipp, as well as a multitude of special friends. A funeral service and celebration of Richard’s life will be held Tuesday July 5th. Visitation will be 11:00 am until 12 noon and from 1pm to 3pm at First Baptist Church, 211 North Main Street Greeneville Tennessee. The service will begin at 3 p at First Baptist Church with Dr. David Green and the Rev. Joey Tillery officiating. Graveside service and burial will immediately follow at GreeneLawn Memorial Garden 4159 Asheville Highway, Greeneville Tennessee. The Greene County Honor Guard will convey military honors. Arrangements coordinated through Doughty-Stevens Funeral Home.

Richard Wallace Simpson

March 13, 1930 - June 28, 2022