Carl Lee Simpson, Jr., age 62, of Atkinson died Wednesday, January 5, 2011 at his home.

He was born November 16, 1948 in Wilmington and was the son of the late Carl Lee Simpson, Sr. and Malla Bloodworth Simpson. He was preceded in death by Harry and Bessie Simpson and his sister, Patricia Ann Simpson Hylton. Also Lee is preceded in death by his devoted and faithful companion, a German shepherd named Harley Heinz Munroe Simpson. Lee leaves behind his dear new Shepherd, Talon Von Beauregard \\"Bo\\" Voodo Simpson, age 7 months.

Surviving are his first born son, Carl Lee Simpson III of Virginia Beach, VA and second born son, Alexander "Alex" Murphy Simpson of the US Coast Guard stationed in Homer, Alaska; sister, Linda Simpson Wallace (Thomas) of Atkinson; nieces, Patricia Rand (Walter), Brandi Wagner (Dave), Jamie Wood and Misty Bingham; nephew, James Barry Hylton; great nieces and great nephew, Lucy Rand, Jack Wood and Sidney, Ainslee and Lilly Wagner; and many extended family and friends.

Lee served in the US Army in Vietnam with the rank of Sp. 4, in E Co (RECON) 2/503 INF, 173rd Airborne Brigade. He proudly received Vietnam Service Metal with three Bronze Service Stars, National Defense Metal and Vietnam Campaign Metal, all reflecting his military valor.

Lee was a devoted and loving father, brother, and uncle who will be remembered by those who knew him, cared about him and loved him as a man with a heart of gold and who would do anything he could to help you. Having served his country and working hard to provide for the needs of his family, Lee was retired most recently from NATCO, a contract provider of Underwater Geological Surveys for the Army Corps of Engineers, as a boat captain. In his younger years he was passionate about hunting and fishing, but more recently he was content to observe and photograph wildlife. Lee loved to talk about all his youthful exploits and the people endeared to him through life's experiences. As a young boy, after the death of his parents Lee was raised in Atkinson by Bessie Holley Simpson and Harry Simpson as their son and was tutored and guided by Harry in the art of farming and loving the land. Cherished memories of Lee will forever remain in our hearts.

A life celebration will be held to remember and honor Lee at 12 noon on Friday, January 14, at Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home Burgaw Chapel with The Rev. Ray Mendenhall officiating.

Memorial gifts may be given to Pender County Humane Society, PO Box 626, Burgaw, NC 28425 or to Atkinson Cemetery Fund, C/O Sara Jane Lanier, 6060 Point Caswell Rd., Atkinson, NC 28421.

Condolences may be sent by selecting \\"Send Condolences\\" below.

Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home and Cremation Center of Burgaw, NC.