Dale Simpkins

Services for Dale Simpkins, 83, of Longview will be at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, December 17, 2014 at Rader Funeral Home, Longview, Texas. Mr. Simpkins passed away Friday night, December 12, with his family at his side. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Tuesday from 5 until 7 pm. Our Dad was born in Bowie, Montague County, Texas on November 5, 1931 to Joe and Effie Simpkins. He was the youngest of 5 boys and 1 girl. He attended schools in Kilgore and in Corpus Christi, TX. It was there in Corpus Christi where he met the love of his life, our Mom, Patsy (Pat) Bright. They married in 1951 and that year, when he was finally able to join his brothers, he enlisted in the Army and served in the 508th Airborne out of Ft. Benning, Georgia. While living in Corpus, Denise and Landa, were born. In 1957, he accepted a job with Texas Eastman and moved the family to Longview, and Cyndy, was born later that year. Dad retired from Texas Eastman in 1992, after 35 years of service. Our Dad was a loving, caring and Godly man who was happiest when surrounded by his family, friends and his beloved dog, Angel. Of course, he was also happiest when the Texas Rangers and Baylor Bears had a winning season! Throughout his life, Dad was involved in many youth activities, including coaching Longview Boys’ Baseball, sponsoring youth golf tournaments, coaching RA Basketball and teaching Sunday School. After attending Calvary Baptist Church for many years, he moved to Mobberly Baptist where he has been a faithful member for over 30 years. He had a strong relationship with Jesus Christ which he often discussed with his children and grandchildren. He took pride in being an American and never missed an opportunity to voice his opinion for what he thought was right and to vote for those who represented strong, Christian values. He was more than just a Dad or Papa – he was our friend. He was never too busy to play with us, teach us, comfort us, or most importantly, give us unconditional love. Although we will greatly miss him, we find consolation in the wonderful memories and in knowing he is in Heaven with our Lord and Savior and our sweet Mother and Grandma. What a beautiful reunion this will be! Dad was preceded in death by his wife, Pat, of almost 60 years, his four brothers, Troy, Thelbert, Austin and Joe Simpkins. He is survived by his three loving daughters and sons-in-law, Bob and Denise Langston of Phoenix, AZ, Landa and Gary Leavy of West Hartland, CT and Kenneth and Cyndy Hugghins of Longview, TX. “Papa Dale” is also survived by his five grandchildren: Scott Honea of Austin, TX, Amy Kennedy of Longview, TX, Kristyn Honea of Austin, TX, Holly Ballantine of Atlanta, GA and Laci Langston of Phoenix, AZ. He was also very proud to be great-grandfather to Riley, John and Jacob Kennedy, Andy and Max Honea and Grayson and Violet Ballantine. Dad is also survived by his two sisters, Dorothy Sparkman of Tyler, TX and Ginger Johnson of California. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Cecilia Sampson, of Cumby, TX and many nieces, nephews and friends. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Highway 80 Rescue Mission or The House of Hope in Longview, Texas. “He who fears the Lord has a secure fortress, and for his children it will be a refuge.” Proverbs 14:26 Thank you, Dad and Papa, for being our refuge. We will love you and miss you forever.

Dale Simpkins

November 5, 1931 - December 12, 2014