Obituary of Edward Ray Simpson

With profound sadness we announce the passing of Edward, on July 27^th, 2023, our loving and devoted father and friend to all whose lives he touched. He was 87 years young.

He was born April 12th 1936, in Erlanger, Kentucky. A son of the late Oscar and Lola Simpson. Edward frequently spoke about his memories growing up at his parent’s farm, emphasizing his love for farming and spending time with his brothers and sisters.

In the late 1950s, Edward enlisted in the United States Army. He served as a proud member of the missile defense system in Germany.A passionate patriot, he was recognized for his attentiveness and organization.

After his discharge from the military, Edward attended barber school. After graduation, he owned a successful barber shop in Kissimmee, Florida. This was a very successful business venture as his shop was awarded the “Roffler” award for the #2 two-chair shop in the state of Florida and Edward wore his ring proudly acknowledging his accomplishments. He was well known for his skill and was loved by his community. Edward continued to make barber magic at the Harmony Barber Shop at Disney’s Magic Kingdom in the early 80sthrough the 90s. He continued to work for Disney until his retirement in the early 2000s.

Edward’s favorite sport was basketball. He was a great shot, and would frequently make “string music”. He was a loyal fan of theUniversity of Kentucky Wildcats men’s basketball program and a lifelong fan of the Cincinnati Reds. Basketball was one of Edward’s ways of spending time with family. He would shoot hoops during family gatherings, often humiliating his family because they could not shoot as well as him. He had a competitive spirit.

Edward was also known for his sense of humor and ability to make people laugh. His favorite saying when someone would ask how he was doing was, “fine as a frog's hair on a frosty Friday morning in February”. If a loved one were to call his phone he would answer with "Joe's bar and grill, eight ball speaking."

Edward would often comment on how the world can be too serious at times and how laughter can bring people together.

Edward was predeceased by his father, Oscar and mother Lola Simpson. Siblings Mereada F. Simon, Maynard T. Simpson,Howard T. Simpson, Mary M. Proud, George R. Simpson, Jack W. Simpson, Joseph Simpson and John C. Simpson.

Survivors include his sister, Edith M. Hilbert, daughter Tammy King, son Nathan Simpson, daughter Abbagail Simpson, and son Jacob Simpson. Six Grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Viewing will be on Thursday, August 3, 2023 from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM with a funeral service at 12:30 PM at Ammen Family Cremation and Funeral Care, 1001 South Hickory Street, Melbourne, FL. Interment with Army Honors will follow at 2:30 PM at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery, 5525 Highway US 1, Mims, FL.