Lawrence SIMPSON Obituary

Lawrence Watson Simpson Jr.

Lawrence Watson Simpson Jr., "Punk," 77, of Lynchburg, passed away Monday, June 8, 2009, at the University of Virginia Medical Center. He was the loving and devoted husband of Elaine Barksdale Simpson for 47 years.

Born in Lynchburg on Oct. 19, 1931, he was a son of the late Lawrence W. Simpson Sr. and Evelyn Richeson Simpson, and was also preceded in death by a sister, Mildred Akers.

Lawrence served as Lynchburg's sheriff for 27 years, from 1974 to 2001, and spent 38 years with the department. He attended Peabody Conservatory of Music and with his love of music he was able to sing at events all his life, and was a member of Fort Hill United Methodist Church.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by a son, Kevin Scott Simpson of Lynchburg; a sister, Gail Wilson and her husband, David, of Forest; his mother-in-law, Alice B. Barksdale of Lynchburg; a niece, Susan Akers; and four nephews, William L. Akers Jr., Mark S. Akers, Timothy H. Akers and William D. Wilson Jr.

A funeral service will be conducted at 11 a.m. Thursday, June 11, 2009, at Fort Hill United Methodist Church by the Rev. David A. Rash and the Rev. Janet A. Hawkins, with burial to follow in Fort Hill Memorial Park.

The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, June 10, 2009, at Fort Hill United Methodist Church.

In lieu of flowers, please consider the memorial fund at Fort Hill United Methodist Church, 106 Oakridge Blvd., Lynchburg, VA 24502.

Heritage Funeral Service and Crematory, (434) 239-2405, is assisting the family. Memories and thoughts may be shared with the family at www.heritagefuneralandcremation.com.