William M. Simpson (Bill), 92
DOVER - William M. Simpson (Bill) passed away peacefully surrounded by family on May 15, 2021.
Born in Cincinnati Ohio, June 8, 1928, Bill was already an entrepreneur at the age of nine, rising before dawn every morning to deliver newspapers before school. He completed college courses in high school and graduated early at age sixteen. Too young to enter military service and fight in the war like his older brothers, he decided to "go west" to study business at Arizona State University. There he met the love of his life, Rosemary. They both graduated college and married in 1948. The couple made their way to Delaware, proceeded to raise five children, and pursue their dreams. Bill went to work for his dad at "Simpson Ford" in Harrington and quickly took over the business. After a few short years, the family moved on to Milford and then again to Dover where Bill and Rosemary established another new and used car business ("B & B Motors"), a Mobile Home Park ("Dover Air Park"), various rental/industrial properties, and Rosemary's beloved "Dover Montessori School". At the young age of 60, Bill decided to do something completely unique in Delaware: he developed and built a log home community. "Oak Shadows" is still the only log and rustic home community located within city limits in the Mid Atlantic.
Bill's personal interests were as varied and forward thinking as his business ventures: he spent many happy years teaching vocational education and mentoring DECA students. He and Rosemary pursued everything from EST to macrobiotic cooking with the same vigor they applied to their work and in their later years, they enjoyed less dramatic pastimes such as golf and bridge. They spent summers in Delaware and winters in Arizona. Altogether, a perfect life.
Bill is survived by his children, William David Simpson and his wife Karen of Dover, Paula Fabian Leach and her husband Gene of Cave Creek, Ariz., Margaret Ann Kling and her husband Don of Dover, Rosemary Aslin and her husband Richard of Dover and Adam Eugene Simpson and his wife Susan of Dover; his nine grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. We are forever blessed as a family as is everyone else who knew and loved our dad. His unfailing optimism and generosity of spirit comforted, inspired and uplifted everyone around him. He will be sorely missed.
Per his wishes, the family will conduct a private memorial service.
Memorial contributions can be made to St. Jude Hospital for Children, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis TN 38105.