Obituaries – Their Stories Live On

On Friday, November 20, 2020, softly and gently, the angels came to take Thomas “Juneboy” Simpson Jr, one of God’s good, and faithful servants home to be with the Lord. “Juneboy”, as he was affectionally called, was the only child born to the late Thomas Chester Simpson, Sr. and the late Julia Barksdale Simpson on August 1, 1927, in Elbert (McDowell County), West Virginia.

Thomas “Juneboy” Simpson Jr, son, husband, father, grandfather, uncle, neighbor, friend, and humble servant, just to name a few hats he wore so very well that made him a genuine “Man’s Man” and a gentleman to all who knew him. “Juneboy” attended Byrd-Prillerman High School, in Amigo, West Virginia. He and Priscilla “Evelyn” Jackson, the love of his life, were united in holy matrimony on December 27, 1958. Evelyn made her transition to be with the Lord, September 2, 2018. They were married for 59 years, and blessed to have three children.

During the early years of their marriage, the Simpson family resided in Tams, West Virginia, where “Juneboy” was a member of New Salem Baptist Church, singing in the Men’s choir. After relocating to Beckley, he immediately sought membership at New Hope Baptist Church where he was a faithful member for over 50 years. He served the church in many capacities over the years including director of the Junior Usher Board, member of the Senior Usher Board, and member of the Board of Trustees. “Juneboy” loved his church home and cared for it as though it was his own home. To this end, he and Priscilla spearheaded the church’s renovation of the exterior brick landscaping, interior painting and beautification, including lighting upgrades.

Thomas “Juneboy” Simpson Jr, was a veteran of the Korean war, honorably serving his country as a member of the United States Marines. He was a member of American Legion Post 70, UMWA Local 5570, and the Men’s Civic Club. He instilled in each of his children the significance of a strong work ethic, demonstrating daily, what a good provider and diligent worker was able to do for his family. His philosophy regarding hard work continued as he could often be heard telling his granddaughter, Japri, “keep your nose to the grindstone.” And his nose to the grindstone is exactly what he did, retiring with over 38 years as a coal miner, and from the Ritchie & Johnson Funeral Parlor with 25 years of service.

“Juneboy” greeted everyone the same. He never met a stranger and regardless of where he saw you, he was always warm, welcoming, and displaying a big smile. This was especially true at the Simpson home. “Juneboy” and Priscilla had a gift for hospitality. Their home was always filled with an abundance of delicious food, great fun and laughter, and Christian fellowship. Hosting the annual two-day celebration on the 4th and 5th of July was one of the greatest pleasures of his summer where family and friends of all ages would gather until dusk. His reputation as the best breakfast cook was undisputed, especially when it came to making his delicious specialty of “fried potatoes with carrots and onions” and “pancakes with blueberries or black walnuts.” He knew his limits, so he left supper to the expert, Priscilla.

A lover of music, “the blues” and gospel music were his favorites. “Juneboy” considered himself to be quite the “crooner”, and that he was. He loved serenading family and close friends with a surprise phone call, singing ever so smoothly “Happy Birthday to You”. Billy Eckstein would have been proud. He could be found “cutting a rug” and enjoying the laughter of those around him. A good game of baseball or of horse shoes gave him more joy than dining with Kings or Queens. During their life together, “Juneboy” and Priscilla enjoyed visiting family in various states and taking trips they had only dreamed of earlier in their lives, like a Hawaiian vacation and cruising the Caribbean.

“Juneboy” was a sharp dresser with a passion for fashion. He insisted on ironing his own shirts, a skill probably learned and refined during his military days. No finer manicured lawn was observed on Mills Avenue, since mowing and weed eating was another passion. With sweat on his brow, a clean car, hand washed every Saturday, was a necessity to prepare for the Sunday Service. Regardless of the week’s events, Sunday was the Lord’s Day. “Juneboy” believed in being punctual for everything, especially church.

He had a penchant for unforgettable sayings, and his quick wit and humor are definitely part of his colorful legacy. One of his favorites was “every closed eye ain’t sleep”, or “If you can’t hack it, you can’t sack it” meaning if you stayed out late on Saturday, you were not sleeping in on Sunday! You had to get up and go to church. He would jokingly say, “Don’t make me use my “African Soup Bone” (shaking his balled up fist as to make a threat, in jest, of course, to anyone opposing him).

Lastly, “Juneboy’s” greatest sources of pride were his children and his grandchildren. He beamed from ear to ear whenever they were in his presence, undeniably the face of a highly favored and happy man. He always gave his children advice, whether they wanted it or not. He always ended his conversations with Skylar and Karah with “be sweet.”

God blessed “Juneboy” and Priscilla with the opportunity to train their children as the Bible instructs “in the way in which they should go”, along with the ability to educate them at the university of their choice. He has been blessed to see each of his grandchildren of age do the same. Every morning upon awakening, he got down on his knees and could be heard praying special requests unto the Lord for his family.

A pillar, a rock, a mentor, respected, admired, truly loved, a life well-lived, and a well-lived life, Thomas “Juneboy” Simpson Jr leaves his lasting legacy and memories to be celebrated and cherished by his daughters Julie Y. Mills (James) and Rosetta Claytor (Gregory), and his sons Thomas Simpson (Michelle) and Eric Simpson (Sharlene).

He also leaves eight grandchildren, Terry Simpson (Denise), April Valdez (Omar), Carnai Simpson, Sharnell Simmons (Stephen), Thomas Micah Simpson, Japri Miller, Erick Trey Simpson, Karah Simpson; five great-grandchildren Tariq Simpson, Adalena Valdez, Aaliyah Valdez, Valerie Simpson and Skylar Simmons. His extended family members consists of his nieces, nephews, cousins, lifelong friends, and his Church Family.

Funeral service will be 12:00PM Friday, November 27, 2020 at Heart of God Ministries 1703 S. Kanawha St. Beckley with Pastor Thomas C. Simpson III and Pastor E. Gregory Claytor officiating. Burial will follow In Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Prosperity.

Friends, while wearing gloves and masks and observing social distancing, may pay their respects to the family beginning at 11:00AM.

Email condolences to ritchie-johnson@suddenlinkmail.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Ritchie & Johnson Funeral Parlor, Beckley.