Charles David Simpson, Sr.

First Sergeant Charles "David" Simpson, Sr, age 85, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Wednesday, March 5, 2025. David was a decorated veteran who served in the Vietnam War and spent twenty years on active duty in the United States Marine Corps. David was born on February 8, 1940, in Haines City, Florida to his parents Doris Velpo Simpson and Wyvolin Missouri Simpson. When David was young he decided to join the Marines because he didn't want anyone telling him what to do. Little did he know what was ahead of him. He was stationed at Parris Island,S.C., Camp Lejeune N.C., Albany, Ga., Vietnam, Okinawa, West Virginia and Texas.  He also served aboard the USS Forrestal and the USS Valley Forge.  He met the love of his life, Wanda Presley while working as a young teenager on his uncle’s farm in South Georgia and they were married on July 15, 1961. After his retirement from active duty he worked at Case Equipment Company for over twenty years. David had a passion for being in the woods. From hunting to fishing he loved it all, simply being in tune with mother nature. David was preceded in passing by his mother and father: Pete and Wyvolin Simpson, sister: Sandra Kelly, and brother: Jeff Simpson. He is survived by his beloved wife of sixty-four years, Wanda Simpson, brother: John (Vaunda) Simpson, sons: Lamonte Simpson, Lamar Simpson, and Charles D. (Victoria) Simpson Jr., eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. The family requests that in lieu of flowers memorial contributions be made to the Florida Avenue Baptist Church in memoriam of David. Memorial services for David will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at Florida Avenue Baptist Church, with family receiving friends beginning at 3:00 p.m.

Cremation arrangements entrusted to:
Stephenson-Nelson Funeral Home
Avon Park, Florida
Online condolences may be left at
www.stephensonnelsonfh.com