Charlie Simpson

Charlie Simpson was born May 11, 1929 in Goodman Mississippi, an only child, to parents Willie and Mary Simpson. He spent many of his early years in Goodman, and then Chicago, before settling in Cleveland, Ohio. Family responsibilities impacted Charlie's education, as he completed school through the eighth grade. One of the many things you can say about Charlie is that he was always a hard worker! His career started early with picking cotton, window washing, and employment through the Morgan Linen Service for 10 years. All this before, what he was best known for, providing full car-care service to the Cleveland community through Gulf and Sohio/BP service stations for 33 years before he and his faithful partner, Bernice, retired March 1, 1999. What many may not know is that Charlie gave back to the community by providing first time jobs to many young black men, including his own sons. What a legacy! Our family could not go anywhere in the city without someone stopping over to see or say hi to Charlie, as he was known and loved by many! Retirement could not keep this man down, as Charlie continued to serve the community during their time of bereavement through the Rodgers, Cummings & Davis, and Watson's Funeral Home, until his health prevented him from driving.

Charlie rarely spoke of his community contributions. However, Charlie was recognized by the U.S. House of Representatives and Cleveland City Council for his contributions to the Garrett Square Economic Development Corp. He received many BP America awards including, the Friendly Business Relations and Gratitude awards, along with a host of proclamations at his retirement. He sponsored many sports teams, radio station WABQ for Christian broadcasting, and was a member of the Fraternal Order of Masons. Charlie accepted Christ at an early age through the Bethlehem Baptist Church of Goodman MS. In Cleveland, he attended the Greater Abyssinia Baptist Church from 1957 until becoming a charter member of the Holy Trinity Baptist Church in 1961, where he served as co-chair of Usher Board #1 with Sis. Smith for many years. He also liked working with the Mission Board, and could always be seen serving meals from in the church kitchen with a smile. With his recent relocation to Camp Hill, AL., Charlie has now stolen the hearts of new friends and family at the Sardis Baptist Church.

Charlie spent the majority of his life with Bernice, wife of 68 years, now with Jesus. Their union established a family of five children including Beverly also with Jesus (Bobby), Jerome (Dorothy), Leon (Doris), Celestine (Wesley) and James (Maria). In addition, we are a blended family with Lula (Willie), Mary, Otis, and Willie (Shirley). Willie and Shirley have lovingly cared for Charlie since July 2023, for which we are eternally grateful!! Along with his children, Charlie leaves to this legacy 19 grandchildren, 45 great grandchildren, his "in-love" siblings, Mattie (Roy), Jacqueline, Alice (Lawrence), Doris, Eric (Stephanie), and Arlene, sister/friend Mary, as well as a host of family and beloved friends.