Thursday, February 6, 2025

Clarence Vincent Simpson 1937 — 2025

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Clarence Vincent Simpson, known to all as “Larry,” was born Feb. 26, 1937, in Bellaire, Ohio, and passed away Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025. He spent his last 54 years in Texas, and the majority of that time in Azle, where he raised his family and was an active member of the Azle Church of Christ.

A memorial service will be Feb. 15 at 1:30 p.m. at Azle Church of Christ, 336 Northwest Parkway in Azle. A graveside service will be at 3 p.m. Feb. 15 at Pleasant Grove Cemetery #2, 1064 County Road 4679, Boyd, TX 76023.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to the Azle Church of Christ in memory of Larry.

Larry served proudly in the U.S. Air Force as a jet mechanic, traveling to Guam and serving at Carswell Air Force Base, in Fort Worth.

While stationed at Carswell, he met the love of his life, Joy Wanell Parker. After a blind date in which they talked for hours and fell in love immediately, they were married for 66 years.

After military service, Larry worked for Delta Air Lines and then was with National Cash Register. Larry stayed busy in retirement, coordinating the design and construction of the large addition for the Azle Church of Christ Fellowship Hall; traveling with Joy to Aruba, Ireland, Scotland and England; and spending many wonderful months house-sitting for friends and family in Hawaii. Larry and Joy spent a number of years serving in the Sojourners RV group, where they traveled across the country assisting churches and Christian youth camps with rebuilding projects. On many occasions they would “sojourn” to visit their children and grandchildren, inevitably helping with remodeling projects there, too.

Larry loved music. In retirement, he learned how to play the ukulele, singing, playing and performing in local groups and community centers.

Larry leaves a legacy of love and devotion. He was always ready to lend a helping hand, often without the need to ask. He will be remembered for his humor, warmth and life of caring service. Larry will be deeply missed.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Emma Simpson; his sisters, Ginger and Beverly; and his brother, Gary Simpson.

Larry is survived by his wife Joy; his brothers, Rick and Jimmy; his sister, Priscilla; daughter and son-in-law, Cheryl and Royal (Bud) Bonner; son and daughter-in-law, David and Sandie Simpson; and grandchildren, Jonathan, Thomas and Mellie Simpson.