Obituaries

Bobby Dean Simpson, 90, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of Friday, March 6, 2026, at his home.

He is now reunited in Heaven with his beloved bride of nearly 70 years, Barbara Ann Simpson (Rust); his parents, Opal and Cloe Simpson; his son-in-law, Larry Davis; his siblings, Rayburn, Orville, Ben, Opal “Dude,” Gene Simpson, and Zella Elliott; and his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Bob was born and raised in Walton, Kentucky, the sixth of nine children. For 70 years, he loved his wife, Barb, faithfully and unconditionally. Together, they built a life grounded in love, faith, and devotion.

Bob found joy in the simple things—tending to his rose bushes, working with his hands, and settling in to watch basketball, especially when the University of Kentucky was playing. Those moments were even better when shared with his family.

He provided for his growing family through his work as a skilled carpenter. Woodworking was not Bob's only skill; he also took pride in caring for his house and land. He always kept a well-tended vegetable garden and manicured lawn. He loved flowers and designing new landscaped areas in his yard. His passion for gardening even led him to start commercial greenhouse businesses, which he operated for several years.

Bob lived by example. Those who took the time to listen often walked away having learned something meaningful.

A devoted father, grandfather, and friend, Bob cherished time spent with family and friends. He enjoyed camping in Kentucky’s state parks, fishing in local lakes, and traveling across the country. In later years, his calendar filled with his grandchildren’s events. Showing up for the people he loved was simply who Bob was.

Bob is survived by his daughters, Melanee Davis and Lori (Tom) Sorrell; his grandchildren, Keturah (John) Lunsford, Jessica (John) Dickson, Courtney (Clay) Cooper, Corey (Jess) Sorrell, and Casey (Hannah) Sorrell; and his great-grandchildren, Avery and Zane Lunsford, Jada Dickson, Camden and Kaylee Sorrell, Clay and Caden Cooper, Caroline and Kennedy Sorrell, with one more great-grandchild expected in the coming week.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bob’s honor to the Kelsey Ann Sorrell Memorial Scholarship Fund. Donations can be made at any Truist Bank.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 10, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., with the funeral service to follow at 1:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Walton. Bob will be laid to rest at Independence Cemetery beside his beloved wife, Barbara.