William “Willie” Simpson

In Loving Memory of William “Willie” Richard Simpson

Sunrise: June 15, 1971 – Sunset: April 13th, 2025

William “Willie” Simpson, 53, passed away unexpectedly, leaving behind a well-loved golf bag, a map full of hiking trails, and a daughter who was the absolute center of his universe.

Willie spent most of his life around airplanes, and if you ever needed to know the difference between a DC-9 and an MD-80, he was your guy. His career took flight with Midwest Express and ATA, and for the past 24 years, he worked at FedEx in a variety of roles — most recently in operations. Willie didn’t seek the spotlight, but he showed up every day with quiet dedication and a sharp sense of humor that you either caught or you didn’t. (If you didn’t, he wasn’t going to explain it.)

A loyal Wisconsin Badgers fan, he had a strong opinion about every game, a wardrobe to match, and an uncanny ability to yell at the refs from the couch like they could hear him.

He was a gifted golfer — by his own standards and, to be fair, most others’ too — and he loved the peace and precision of the game. But when he wasn’t on the course or in the air, you could often find him on a trail, soaking in the quiet of the woods. He found joy in hiking — in being away from screens, noise, and nonsense — just him, the trees, and maybe a really good pair of boots.

But nothing came close to the love he had for his daughter. She was his greatest adventure, his biggest source of pride, and the person he loved more than anything else in this world. His love for her was steady, fierce, and never in question — she was, without a doubt, the very best part of his story.

Willie was preceded in death by his father, William F. Simpson and is survived by his daughter, Jocelyn Simpson; his mother, Nancy Simpson (Garrett); his stepmother, Betty (William F.) Simpson; his brothers, Benjamin (Vera) and Matthew; Betty’s children, whom he cared for as family; his three nephews and niece; and many others who loved him deeply. He also leaves behind a collection of golf balls (some likely still in the woods) and a pair of well-worn hiking boots. His strength, wit, and unwavering love will live on in those who knew him best — especially Jocelyn, the heart of his world.

He wouldn’t want a lot of fuss, so we’ll keep it simple: he was one of the good ones. And he’ll be missed more than words can say.

A Memorial Gathering will be held on Friday, April 18, 2025, from 3:00-5:00pm at O’Riley-Branson Funeral Service & Crematory, with Willie’s Memorial Service starting at 5:00pm in the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made in Willie’s honor to: Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation- Breakthrough T1D, PO Box 5021, Hagerstown, MD. 21741-5021.

Please visit our website at www.orileybranson.com to leave a memory of Willie or to sign the online guestbook.