John F. Simpson, 86, of Elizabethton, passed away on Monday, April 7, 2014, at Nova Heath and Rehab Center in Weber City, Va., following an extended illness.
Mr. Simpson was a native of Carter County and the son of the late Jim and Julie Blevins Simpson. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Lola Arlene Hyatt Simpson, on February 24, 2001; a daughter, Gayle Carver; one grandchild, Carl Peterson IV; and several brothers and sisters.
Mr. Simpson was a former manager of the Elizabethton Elks Lodge and of Buffalo Valley Country Club. He attended Gap Creek Christian Church and enjoyed cooking, hunting, fishing and camping. He was a veteran of the United States Army, having served in World War II.
Survivors include two daughters, Tina Jeter and husband Darrel, Gate City, Va., and Sandra Simpson, Kingsport; a son, Jerry Simpson, Watauga; three grandchildren, Shane Fleenor and wife Cherie, Elizabethton, Sabra Carmody and husband Ryan, Jonesborough, and Jonathan Simpson, Blountville; four great-grandchildren, Isaac Simpson, Blountville, Ian Simpson, Blountville, Meesha Fleenor, Elizabethton, and Carrie Fleenor, Hampton; and one great-great-grandson, Jakob Fleenor, Elizabethton. Several nieces and nephews also survive.
A service to celebrate the life of Mr. Simpson will be conducted at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 10, in the Chapel of Peace at Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton, with Mr. Ken Kehrer, minister, officiating. The family will receive friends in the funeral home chapel from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, prior to the service. The committal and entombment will be conducted at 11 a.m. Friday, April 11, in the Mausoleum of Peace at Happy Valley Memorial Park. Military Honors will be accorded by the Carter County Honor Guard. Active pallbearers will be Shane Fleenor, Eddie Honeycutt, Ryan Carmody, Jonathan Simpson, Darrel Jeter and Carter “Bo” Honeycutt. Honorary pallbearers will be Bob Hughes and Connie Verran. Those wishing to attend the service are asked to meet at Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton, at 10:15 a.m. Friday to go in procession. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.tetrickfuneralhome.com and signing the guest book.
Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton, is serving the Simpson family. Office: (423) 542-2232. Obituary Line: (423) 543-4917.