Bruce Simpson, 68, of Orange, died Sunday, May 20, 2012, at the Medical Center of Southeast Texas.
Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Thursday, May 24, 2012, at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange. Officiating will be Dr. Bob Webb of Trinity Baptist Church and Reverend Scott McIntosh of North Orange Baptist Church. Graveside Services will be 4:00 p.m. Thursday, at Sunset Memorial Park in Nacogdoches, TX.
Visitation will be from 5:00-8:00 p.m., Wednesday at Claybar Funeral Home.
Born in Nacogdoches, Texas, on July 18, 1943, Bruce was the son of Everett and Juanita Hall Simpson. A graduate of Nacogdoches High School in 1961, Bruce received an associate's degree in criminal justice from Lamar and attended the FBI National Academy. He worked in law enforcement for 40 years including the West Orange Police Department where he served as Police Chief and the Orange County Sheriff's Department for 28 years. He was a charter member of Trinity Baptist Church and a member of Masonic Lodge 126, where he served as past master, district deputy and treasurer.
Bruce is survived by his wife of 48 years, Edith Simpson; son, Jeffrey Simpson and wife Chessy of Orange; brothers, William Simpson and wife Liz of Jasper, Paul Simpson of Nacogdoches; sisters-in-law, Marie Permenter of Nacogdoches, Mattie Schmidt and husband Cliff of Lufkin, Vonnie Cordova and husband Bill of Nacogdoches; aunt, Billie Berniard of Baton Rouge, LA; Grandson and the Apple of his Eye, Robert Simpson; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Serving as Pallbearers will be Jerry Hughes, Dan Mohon, Willie Morgan, Buddy Miller, Nolan Griffin, Preston Nichols, and Jerry Priddy. Honorary Pallbearers will be Past and Present Law Enforcement in Orange; the Men's Sunday School class at Trinity Baptist Church, Tommy Cordova, and Robert Simpson.
The family would like to send a special thanks to Cathy Gohike and Dr. Lee at Harbor Hospice, and the staff of Magnolia Manor Nursing Home in Groves.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Trinity Baptist Church Building Fund, 1408 W. Park Ave, Orange, TX 77630.