V. J. Simpson, who was a leader in community and farm life over a long period of years before his retirement, died in St. Joseph's Hospital at 9:20 p.m. Tuesday, June 10. His death followed a number of months of failing health.
Mr. Simpson was 81 years of age. Virgil Joe Simpson was a native Texas, born at Terrell, March 1, 1882. He was the son of Joe and Annie Hamilton Simpson. He was married to Miss Jennie L. King at Jacksboro on December 24, 1911. Two years later they moved to South Texas and made their home at Edna from 1913 until 1925, when the family came to Collingsworth County.
In the Midway community where the family lived for a long period, Mr. Simpson, although a quiet and modest man, by the influence of his own life provided a leadership that reached beyond his own area.
He had the welfare of his community sincerely at heart and he valued those things that gave stability and growth to such community institutions as the school and the church.
Mr. Simpson became a member of the Baptist church 61 years ago and at the time of his death was a member of First Baptist Church.
