John Gerald Simpson

John G. Simpson was born in Myrtle Beach, SC on October 9th, 1943, to the late Jack & Mae Simpson. Soon after his birth his parents relocated to New York before returning to Myrtle Beach, SC. John G. Simpson graduated from Whittemore High school in Conway, SC in 1960.

In his early teens he started a club in what was then known as Tin Top Alley. The club was formed to keep kids off the streets and out of trouble. In 1961 he, along with two close friends, Mr. Crane Woods, and Mr. Harper, headed the first community Baseball Team. In 1972 John made history in Horry County, by becoming the first African American Firefighter although faced with much adversity he never gave up and received many honors during his tenure at Myrtle Beach Fire Department. 

In 1971 John was joined in Holy Matrimony to the love of his life Gail Simpson who preceded him in death. John entered eternal rest on Saturday, July 3rd, 2021, surrounded by his beloved family at Grand Strand Medical Center in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his father, Jack Simpson, mother, Mae Simpson, brother-in-law, Herman “Joe” Gibbs and his beloved family pet, Addison Simpson. 

He leaves to forever cherish his memory; His daughter, April Simpson of Myrtle Beach, SC, three sons, Sylvester (Sherri) McCoy, of Myrtle Beach, SC, John (Tyra) McCoy, of Columbia, SC and Lee (Angela) McCoy of Dallas, TX. Seven brothers, Edward (Joanne) Johnson Sr. of Washington, DC, Robert (Rebecca) Simmons, Sr. of Myrtle Beach, SC, Abdul Muhammad of Myrtle Beach, SC, Donald Simpson, Sr. of Brooklyn, NY, Tommy (Ella) Simpson of Winter Park, FL; Ronald Simpson of Brooklyn, NY and Randy (Pansy) Simpson of Hopewell, VA. 

 Nine Grandchildren, Autumn Glover, Sylvester (Grace) McCoy II, Sotonye McCoy, Jarrell McCoy, Dashawn McCoy, Jalen McCoy, Ashley (Torrevio) McCoy, Christopher McCoy,  and Alyssa (Xavier) Williams. 

 His supportive in-laws, in which he stood in the gap as father when their dad passed away at a young age; Greta (Troy) Parker, of Myrtle Beach, SC, Allen Gibbs of Columbia, SC, Stanley (Marie) Gibbs, Sr. of St. Helena Island, SC, Jonathan Nelson (Pat) Gibbs Sr. of Eldersburg, MD, Michael Gibbs of Myrtle Beach, SC, and Over Dice Hurdle of Myrtle Beach, SC. 

 He also leaves a host of great grands, nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, cousins and friends. Two nieces that he helped raise; Ashley Parker & Amber Jenkins. One Cousin who enjoyed spending his evenings with John and his wife Gail; Quinton Simmons.

“Engineer Simpson, you've taken your last call. Rest in Eternal Life!”

Myrtle Beach Fire Department

John Gerald Simpson of Myrtle Beach passed away Saturday,  July 3, 2021. Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Friday July 9, 2021 at the Ocean View Funeral Home, Myrtle Beach Chapel. There will be a Homegoing Celebration held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, July 10, 2021 at Sandy Grove Missionary Baptist Church.

Ocean View Funeral Home and Beach Crematory,  Myrtle Beach Chapel will be assisting this family. 

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