Ben Luther Simpson Jr

Ben Luther Simpson Jr. was born June 1, 1938, in Columbia, MS, and went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Wednesday, January 22, 2014. He lived in Columbia, MS, Moss Point, MS, and finally in Ocean Springs, MS. He was a graduate of Moss Point High School and attended the University of Southern MS. He retired from the Electrical Department at Ingalls Shipbuilding in 2001, where he held various positions such as Foreman, Superintendent, and Draftsman. B.L. served on the Moss Point school board from 1971-1976. He was a life long United Methodist, Lay Speaker, member of Kreole United Methodist Church, Wesley United Methodist Church, and most recently St. Paul United Methodist Church. His faith was firmly rooted in Wesleyan theology. He was a proud member of the Republican Party, an avid Pittsburgh Pirates baseball fan, and a Civil War and World War II historian. B.L. loved to read and listen to the radio. He was a devoted husband and father, and was a wonderful provider and Christian mentor to his family. B.L. was preceded in death by his parents, Ben Luther and Rosalie Farmer Simpson Sr. Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Joan Webb Simpson, and a brother, Ralph Simpson (Diane). He survived by his children, Lana Simpson Stewart (Eddie), Ben Luther Simpson III (Susan), Lisa Simpson Catchot (Marcus), and Lori Simpson Replogle (Brad). He was the proud grandfather of Kimberly Stewart Lopez (Lance), his first grandchild, Steve Anthony McMellon Jr., Ben Luther Simpson IV, Shani Stewart Dunn (Michael), Chad Michael Simpson (Catherine), Shana Simpson Broussard (Scotty), Edward Clayton Stewart (Jessie), Megan Virginia Catchot, Morgan Tyler Catchot, Molly Grace Replogle, and Madison Scarlett Replogle. He is also survived by 9 great-grandchildren. A visitation will be held at St. Paul United Methodist Church Downtown Campus in Ocean Springs at 800 Porter Avenue, on Saturday, January 25 from 2:00-4:00. A memorial service will immediately follow at 4:00. The Reverend Chris Cumbest and the Reverend Kevin Bradley will officiate the service. In lieu of flowers the family prefers donations be made to St. Paul UMC, P.O. Box 909, Ocean Springs, MS 39566. The Ocean Springs Chapel of Bradford O'Keefe Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.