Carl Marks Simpson, III, who died Tuesday, leaves behind a legacy of leadership, affection, and business acumen in Sumter. He was 82. To those in the community, Carl was more than the owner of Simpsons Hardware; he was also loving husband, outstanding father and father figure actually grandfather too by now a man of integrity who was always ready with time for friends and help in need.
Born on November 27, 1941 in Montgomery, Alabama the beloved son of Carl Marks Simpson, Jr. and Frances Ray Simpson attended the University of South Carolina. It was there that Simpson earned a Bachelor’s degree and commenced a career which extended deep into his impact on Sumter.
Life Full of Achievement and Service
Carl’s path is illustrative of the dedication he brought. Calamity struck Athenaeum Hardware but nonetheless as proprietor Simpsons Hardware, 2002 Business Person of the Year in Sumter recognizing his comeback and determination to carry on. He did not restrict himself to business, however: Carl or Mr. Simpson to many of us was an active member in St. James Lutheran Church and showed concern for all kinds of non-profit organizations within our community.
But in addition to his achievements as a professional man active in community service shows Carl’s true colours: even more cherished than these is undoubtedly the role he occupied within his family. In addition to his wife Catherine “Cathy” Mellon Simpson he leaves behind three daughters: Leigh Carraway (Frankie), Amy Ohl (Jeremy) and Molly Matthews (Shawn), all of Sumter. Carl’s legacy will continue on forever through his brother Robert Simpson (Vicki), sisters Anne Simpson and Jan King (George), six grandchildren and a great-grand child who misses him deeply.
For Carl’s Honor
The Simpson family invite the community to join them at a graveside service in memory of Carl, to be held in the Evergreen Memorial Park at 2 P.M. on Sunday, with Rev. Scott Landrum presiding at Rigging. Following this ceremony friends and family are welcome to gather at Simpson’s home share condolences or simply reflect on their own special memories of a special man
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that gifts be made to St. James Lutheran Church or the Children’s Home in Crosswell. The recipient can also be any local charity, carrying on Carl’s life-long example of caring for others. The journey of Carl Simpson through life will always be an inspiration to those around him and their dedication. In the memories of the people who knew him, his memory will go on forever.
If you would like more information or leave a condolence. You may visit Legacy Lanes.
In Loving Memory
The legacy left by Carl Simpson is a testament to what one individual can so powerfully influence in his community and also within the lives of others. A life erects such examples as these for all to see in their service to society, devotion morals but in addition – perhaps most importantly – love. For all of these reasons this man who once occupied them with such warmth guidance will never be forgotten. Rest in peace, Carl Simpson: your memory lives on not only in Sumter but also across the world.
