John Gray Simpson

Highlands, NC - John Gray Simpson, 44 of Highlands, NC and formerly of Tampa, passed away April 24, 2013. He was a six generation Floridian descended from four pioneer Florida families: Lesley, Cleaveland, Wootton and Bryan.

He was predeceased by his grandparents, Hazel W. and Thomas E. Gray and Geraldine L. and Arthur A. Simpson all of Tampa, and is survived by his parents, Jane and Nathan Simpson, his brother, Nathan Bryan Simpson, Jr., his aunts, Allen Simpson Murray and Hazel Gray Hanlon, and his uncle, Arthur A. Simpson, Jr. and many loving cousins and friends. He was a graduate of H. B. Plant High School where he became a state champion tennis player and of Emory University with a B. S. in finance. He was employed by Lykes Pasco Packing Co., Tampa Electric Company and Old Edwards Inn and Hospitality Group. He was a member of St. Andrews Episcopal Church of Tampa, the Merrymakers Club and Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla.

Funeral services will be conducted by the Rev. John Reese at St. Andrews Episcopal Church, Tampa on Tuesday, April 30 at 10:00 am with internment to follow at Myrtle Hill Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to St. Andrews Episcopal Church Foundation or to charities of choice.

Bryant Grant Funeral Home of Franklin and Highlands, NC and Blount and Curry Funeral Home, MacDill Chapel of Tampa are in charge of arrangements..

Online condolences are available by visiting bryantgrantfuneralhome.com or by email.