William L. “Bill” Simpson, Jr.
September 26, 1935 - May 4, 2023
William L. “Bill” Simpson, Jr., age 87, of Wilmington, DE, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family on Thursday May 4, 2023, after a prolonged illness.
Born in Wilmington, DE, in 1935, he was the son of the late William L. Simpson, Sr. and Elizabeth (Laws) Burtell. Bill enjoyed 67 years of marriage with his wife, Doris, who he swept off the firehouse dance floor and provided with a lifetime of love.
Hard working, often holding multiple jobs to provide for his family, Bill worked as a tile setter for Union Local 1 and Roofers Local 30 for 30 years, retiring as shop steward in 2003.
Bill most enjoyed spending time with his family and friends and had a love of the outdoors. Bill and his family camped at Duck Neck Campground in Maryland, and Cherrystone Campground in Virginia, for many years, where they fished, crabbed, dug for clams, boated and played lots of cards. He also enjoyed hunting with his son and friends throughout Delaware. Bill often spent time with his neighbors and enjoyed woodworking and helping friends with house additions or repairs, all of which included a lot of laughing, camaraderie and a few bad haircuts. Bill and Doris shared many evenings making candles, helping Doris with sewing and embroidery projects, solving puzzles, or listening to his audio books.
In later years Bill and Doris traveled extensively and especially enjoyed taking cruises to Alaska, the Panama Canal, the Caribbean, Bermuda and the Bahamas. They enjoyed many impromptu road trips from Maine to Florida. When not on the go, Bill and Doris relaxed in the “back room” of their house of 60 years, watching the birds, squirrels, rabbits and even a couple of chickens for a while. Bill’s love of nature was often the subject of conversations with friends and family, and he was always on the lookout for wildlife on their many road trips.
Bill was kind and always full of good humor and took great pride in the achievements of his children and grandchildren. A beloved husband, father, grandfather and brother, he is survived by his wife, Doris; three children, Dean (Char), Dottie, and Leslie Brennan (Tim); three grandchildren, Lindsey Barone (Nick), Gillian Brennan and Cara Brennan; sister, Barbara Downward; brother, Ronald Burtell; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother, Richard Burtell; and step father, Lewis Burtell.
The Simpson family would like to thank Mill Creek Fire Co. and the staff of Christiana Care, especially the nurses of the Cardiovascular 4E unit and AccentCare Hospice, who treated Bill with dignity and compassion in his final days.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 10 am until 11 am on Thursday, May 11, 2023, at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 1000 North DuPont Parkway, New Castle, DE, where a funeral service will begin at 11 am. Interment will follow in Gracelawn Memorial Park, 2220 North DuPont Highway, New Castle, DE.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bill’s memory to the Mill Creek Fire Company, PO Box 5034, Marshallton, DE 19808 or online by clicking here.
Joyce Held
Bill, you were one of a kind. Loved our visits and phone calls. Wish there had been more. Happy you and Doris made it up to Vermont for a visit, we had so much fun exploring Yarn Shops with you two. Till we meet again my Dear Cousin, Till we meet again❤️
Doris & Family you all are in our thoughts & prayers. Joyce & Ken Held
Debra C Rollins
My deepest condolences to all of Bill’s family and friends.
George Greenley
We are so sorry for your loss.
Marian
Bill was a favorite member of the morning exercise group at the Senior Center, AND he frequently joined the group at the round table” in the dining room after our workout. Bill We all miss you!!!
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Wilson Friedel
I have known Billy for going on 40 years and am very sorry to hear of his passing. Billy and I worked together for many years and remained friends after he retired. Me being a youngster when I first met Billy he never treated me as such, and because of that, just knowing him had a great influence on my life. Bill taught me a lot about the construction business and especially how to get along with others. Most everyone Billy came in contact with liked him and respected him. Again, I am sorry for the loss of a good friend, but so grateful to have known him for as long as I did. Doris my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. If I know Billy he has already made friends with others he has met on his new journey.
Lourdes Irizarry
We are so very sorry for your loss and that of your family and loved ones. Our hope that as you went through the photographs to make this beautiful memorial video , you were reminded of all the adventures and beautiful memories and moments that were shared with him throughout his lifetime. May those and other memories comfort you when you’re missing him and bring smiles to your faces when you remember him. Our most sincere condolences.
Love Danny and Lourdes
Jo Anne "Hoover" Katrowski
Dean and family,
So sorry to hear about your dad. I remember the times we stopped by your house in Dunlinden Acres and fondly remember the weekends at Duck Neck and learning how to water ski all those years ago. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Jo Anne
Rick stella
My deepest condolences so sorry for your loss.
Barbara Lehrman
Simpson family. My name is Barbara Lehrman and my late husband Bernie and I used to sit at the “Round Table” at the Newark Senior Center with Bill the Roofer, as we called him. I am so sorry for this loss. Bill was always witty and always had a funny comment that made us laugh. We enjoyed his company so much. May his special memories give you comfort.