Obituary for Harold Ray Simpkins

Harold Ray Simpkins, 75, of Snowville, passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, May 12, 2023. Harold loved his family fiercely and worked tirelessly throughout his entire life to provide for them. He served as a heavy-equipment operator for most of his life. Harold worked at Sisson and Ryan Quarry in Shawsville for over 35 years where he made many lifelong friends. While working that full time, labor intensive job, he also continued to run the Simpkins family farm at home.  The hard work on the farm was a “labor of love”. He often said that he was born in the corner bedroom of the small family farm house and thought that it was appropriate to spend his life tending that farm as a legacy for his children and grandchildren. The most memorable times of Harold’s life were spent on the farm surrounded by his loving family, watching his treasured grandchildren enjoy the land where he had grown up. Harold’s wish was to be quietly laid to rest on the hill overlooking the farm and his family. He was preceded in death by his son, Ray Benjamin Simpkins.

He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Verily Flinchum Simpkins; daughter and son-in-law, Sarah and Joseph Gillenwater; daughter-in-law, Genetta Owens Simpkins, precious grandchildren, Isaac, Noah and Adah Gillenwater, and Anna and Emma Simpkins; sister-in-law, Carol S. Ratcliff; sister, Violet S. Sowers; nephews, Dwayne and Tim Simpkins; and many other family members and special friends. Harold was a beloved husband and servant to Verily, an absolutely revered daddy to his namesake Ray Benjamin and his daddy’s girl, Sarah Linell; a loving and caring father-in-law to Joseph and Genetta; and a truly worshipped “Dandad” to his prides and joy, Isaac, Anna, Noah, Adah and Emma. He leaves us all with a gaping hole in our hearts, but with the knowledge that he loved us with his whole being.

The family would like to thank all friends and neighbors for the calls, visits, and food.

Per his request, no public services will be held.

The Simpkins family is in the care of Mullins Funeral Home & Crematory in Radford. www.mullinsfuneralhome.com