Michael Simpkins

Michael Craig Simpkins, passed away December 13, 2016, at TMH after surgical procedure. He was born June 11, 1946, in Macon, Georgia. The visitation will be held on Friday, December 16, 2016 from 2:00 – 3:00 PM at Bevis Funeral Home, Harvey-Young Chapel and the service will follow at 3:00 PM. Burial will follow the service at Friendship Memory Gardens in Medart, FL. Mike was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church in Tallahassee, FL. He served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War. He was an avid golfer for years where he was a member at Capital City Country Club, Seminole Golf Course and Hilaman Country Club. During his golfing days he shot two hole-in-ones, one at Hilaman Golf Course hole 12, 140 yards and one at the Bainbridge Golf Course, on hole 11, 175 yards. He was a featherweight boxer during high school and won several certificates. Mike was an avid Seminole fan and attended all the football games as long as his health permitted. He also attended the baseball games for a number of years. He started to work in 1966 for Centel Telephone Company and retired after 35 years of service. He also enjoyed playing soft ball with the Centel team back in the day. Mike was a member of the IBEW Union 1496, where he served on the Executive Board. He was a sensitive person who felt compassion for the downtrodden. Mike is survived by his wife of 44 years, Daisy Simpkins; his beloved grandson, Michael Curtis Gruber who he cherished with all his heart; a daughter, Kimberly Michele Simpkins; two brother-in-laws who he loved dearly, Elmo Ford White, Jr. (Jackie) and W.C. White (Debra) and his dearly loved nephews and nieces, Christopher White (Annie) and Baby Jasper due in several months, Jason White (Jen) and their 3 little ones who Mike adored, Sutton, Will and Campbell and Jonathon White (Monica) who in his younger days kept Uncle Mike headed in the right direction on trips with Granny and Pop Pop. He is also survived by a niece, Lori Simpkins of the U.S. Air Force. Cousins in Tallahassee, Florida, Thomaston, Georgia, New Castle, Delaware, Tennessee and Washington State who all tried to stay in touch over the years. Mike played golf for years with the same foursome, James McHargue (deceased), Lou Roskovich and Gene Wood. He also played golf with a lot of other friends over the years, Mike’s close buddies, Rudy, Kenny, Tommy and Blaine were always there when he needed them. Mike and Daisy’s BFF’s, the Royster’s, the Strickland’s, and the Glessner’s have spent many happy times together. Also, happy times were spent with his adopted sisters, June, Betty and Marie. Also, Betty and George Connell were good friends. Honestly, Mike had so many dear friends they all cannot be named. Mike was preceded in death by his mother and father, Evelyn and Ed Simpkins; a brother, Larry Joseph Simpkins and his “Big Mama,” Josie Coker; mother and father-in-law, Mary Pelt White and Elmo Ford White, Sr. A standing joke in the family is “our Uncle Mike is a whiz with firearms” that is if you wanted a hole in your couch. Mike loved this when they teased him. We are all broken hearted for our loss, but it is Heavens gain! Rest in peace, my love, Daisy. Amber Miller of Bevis Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements, 850-926-3333 or www.bevisfh.com.

Tributes

Michael Simpkins

June 11, 1946 - December 13, 2016