William "Harold" Simpson passed away peacefully on January 16, 2024 with family by his side.  He was 93 years old.

Harold was married to his wife Hazel Rouse Simpson for nearly 67 years before she passed away in 2022. Together they raised two children in their beloved home town of Wallace.  They were eventually blessed with two grandchildren who of course, were the "apples of their eyes". Harold and Hazel were active members of Wallace First Baptist Church and spent many hours in servitude to others. In 1996 they moved to Pender County but maintained their Wallace activities and relationships.

Most of Harold's adult life was spent in the gas business.  He started his career with Rose Oil in the 1960s and remained with the company - later Collier Gas - until he retired in 1996. Serving residents and farmers of Duplin and surrounding counties afforded him the opportunity to meet many people, most of whom would attest to his work ethic, flexibility, and compassion.

In 1951 Harold was drafted  into the United States Army and served during the Korean Conflict.  He was wounded in combat and received the Purple Heart and Bronze Star. In spite of his obvious sacrifices, he never considered himself heroic, reserving that distinction for men and women who chose a lifetime of military service.

In spite of a genetic form of blindness that eventually took most of his vision, Harold enjoyed reading, spending many hours at the Pender County Library in Burgaw. He loved spending time outdoors and appreciated the beauty of nature.  Animals trusted him and he often befriended those too timid for other humans. Of course all of these paled in comparison to spending time with his family. Holiday gatherings, Sunday afternoon visits with his brother Lois and wife Peggy, a pop-in visit from next door relatives Betty and Ronnie, phone calls from family or long lost acquaintances; these were his favorite things.

Harold is survived by his son Timothy Simpson of Wilmington, daughter Lisa Green and husband Rick of Clinton, grandchildren Allison Green of Chicago IL and Richard Simpson Green (Sim) of Raleigh, brother Lenwood Simpson and wife Elaine of Greenville. Also surviving are several nieces, nephews, and inlaws including special sister-in-law Betty Owens, special niece Christy Rawls, and special nephew Harry Hunter.

A funeral service will be held for Harold on Saturday January 20, 2024 at Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home in Wallace NC. Visitation will begin at 1:00 pm with service beginning at 2:00 pm.

Burial will follow the service at Riverview Memorial Park, Watha, NC

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Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home of Wallace, NC   910-285-4005