Russell W. Simpson
November 19, 1922 ~ February 12, 2018
Russell Willard Simpson
Russell Willard (Russ) Simpson, 95, passed away on Monday, February 12. 2018 at The Gardens Assisted Living in Fairfax, VA, where he had moved to from his house in Vienna, VA three months earlier.
Russ was born on November 19, 1922 in Madison Township, WV of the late Bernard Hayes and Lula Mae (Selmon) Simpson, who later moved to Belpre, OH. He was married in 1947 to the former Mary Ann Wieder of Parkersburg, WV who pre-deceased him in 2003.
Russ graduated from Belpre High School in 1940, where he excelled in mathematics, played violin in the orchestra, and ran track. He enlisted in the Navy on March 4, 1941. He was on the USS Philadelphia for most of World War II, and in the Navy for a total of 22 years, retiring as Master Chief Radioman. He then worked in Civil Service, Army Staff for 17 years. He moved to Vienna, VA in the fall of 1962 near the end of his Navy service. He joined the American Legion Post 180 in 1987, and over time it became his home away from home to enjoy the comradery of other veterans of all ages. Russ was an avid coin collector for decades, and read many books after retiring about World War II, cryptography, and related subjects.
Russ is survived by daughters Dian Carr (Joe) of Greensboro, NC, and Gloria Simpson (John Bloom) of Arlington VA, and their children Amanda and Ryan. Russ’s son, Donald, pre-deceased him in 2012. Russ’s brother was Chester Livesay (Chet) Simpson (Helen), of Parkersburg WV, who pre-deceased him in 2008. Chet’s son is Russ Simpson of Parkersburg WV., who has two children Shawn Simpson and LeAnne Simpson Nix. Chet’s daughter is Suzanne Stutler of Vienna, WV, whose five children are Michael Stutler (Catherine), Jason Stutler, Wendy Stutler, Stephanie McCormick, and Brittany Freels (Brian). Russ is also survived by his sister Geneva Hiley (Ray) of Phoenix, AZ, who has two children Brenda Hiley, whose daughter is Gabrielle, and Sharon Crow (Chris), whose son is Christopher. Russ went back to many Belpre reunions with Geneva after they both retired. The family wishes to recognize and express its deep gratitude to Jane Kennedy for her service, companionship and caring of Russ for many years, particularly during his final months.
The service for Russ will be on Sunday, March 18, 3:00 pm, at Money & King Funeral Home in Vienna, VA. The family will receive visitors before the service at 2:30. Russ will be buried at a later date at Arlington National Cemetery where his wife Mary Ann was buried in 2003, who also served in the Army during World War II. In lieu of flowers, friends may consider honoring Russ Simpson's memory with a gift to the American Legion Post 180 for their Service Officer Program which goes to Veterans’ hospitals, c/o Dan Dellinger, 330 North Center Street, Vienna, VA, 22180, or the charity of one's choice. Online condolences and fond memories can be made at www.moneyandking.com.
Russell Willard (Russ) Simpson, 95, passed away on Monday, February 12. 2018 at The Gardens Assisted Living in Fairfax, VA, where he had moved to from his house in Vienna, VA three months earlier.
Russ was born on November 19, 1922 in Madison Township, WV of the late Bernard Hayes and Lula Mae (Selmon) Simpson, who later moved to Belpre, OH. He was married in 1947 to the former Mary Ann Wieder of Parkersburg, WV who pre-deceased him in 2003.
Russ graduated from Belpre High School in 1940, where he excelled in mathematics, played violin in the orchestra, and ran track. He enlisted in the Navy on March 4, 1941. He was on the USS Philadelphia for most of World War II, and in the Navy for a total of 22 years, retiring as Master Chief Radioman. He then worked in Civil Service, Army Staff for 17 years. He moved to Vienna, VA in the fall of 1962 near the end of his Navy service. He joined the American Legion Post 180 in 1987, and over time it became his home away from home to enjoy the comradery of other veterans of all ages. Russ was an avid coin collector for decades, and read many books after retiring about World War II, cryptography, and related subjects.
Russ is survived by daughters Dian Carr (Joe) of Greensboro, NC, and Gloria Simpson (John Bloom) of Arlington VA, and their children Amanda and Ryan. Russ’s son, Donald, pre-deceased him in 2012. Russ’s brother was Chester Livesay (Chet) Simpson (Helen), of Parkersburg WV, who pre-deceased him in 2008. Chet’s son is Russ Simpson of Parkersburg WV., who has two children Shawn Simpson and LeAnne Simpson Nix. Chet’s daughter is Suzanne Stutler of Vienna, WV, whose five children are Michael Stutler (Catherine), Jason Stutler, Wendy Stutler, Stephanie McCormick, and Brittany Freels (Brian). Russ is also survived by his sister Geneva Hiley (Ray) of Phoenix, AZ, who has two children Brenda Hiley, whose daughter is Gabrielle, and Sharon Crow (Chris), whose son is Christopher. Russ went back to many Belpre reunions with Geneva after they both retired. The family wishes to recognize and express its deep gratitude to Jane Kennedy for her service, companionship and caring of Russ for many years, particularly during his final months.
The service for Russ will be on Sunday, March 18, 3:00 pm, at Money & King Funeral Home in Vienna, VA. The family will receive visitors before the service at 2:30. Russ will be buried at a later date at Arlington National Cemetery where his wife Mary Ann was buried in 2003, who also served in the Army during World War II. In lieu of flowers, friends may consider honoring Russ Simpson's memory with a gift to the American Legion Post 180 for their Service Officer Program which goes to Veterans’ hospitals, c/o Dan Dellinger, 330 North Center Street, Vienna, VA, 22180, or the charity of one's choice. Online condolences and fond memories can be made at www.moneyandking.com.
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
Russ shared amazing stories with me of his time onboard the US Navy Cruiser – USS Philadelphia for the Vienna Remembers WWII project in 2008. His duties on-board included Fire Control, Encrypted Communications and Radio. Russ crossed the Atlantic many times as his ship provided escort for other Allied vessels starting in February 1942. When the Philadelphia was off the coast of Salerno Italy on Sept. 11, 1943, the ship was attacked and nearly hit by a German Fritz-X radio controlled bomb. Another cruiser, USS Savannah was hit and nearly sunk by a Fritz-X during the same aerial attack. The crew of the Philadelphia was told to pick up the bomb fragments and debris from their deck. Russ – thanks for your service to our country and for your friendship. David Shelby, Historic Vienna Inc.
Thanks so much for sharing David. Will you be able to attend the service?
So the Energizer Bunny finally rests.
You were an amazing and kind man of many stories.
I am grateful that you were able to share them with my family and me. You are missed. ❤️
Thanks Christine.