The world has lost a very special man.

Floyd H. Simpson, Jr., 82, of Belmont, Ohio, died at home surrounded by his family on Saturday, July 23, 2016.

He was born August 1, 1933 in Harrison County, Ohio, the son of the late Floyd Harry Simpson and Helen Marie Kellie.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Shirley Ann Wells Simpson, as well as his brothers and sisters: James Simpson, Velna, Avis, and Helen Mae.

He is survived by his sons David, of Fremont, CA; Ronald, of Hollywood, FL; and Randy (Lisa), of Pataskala, Ohio, as well as grandchildren, April and Jared Simpson.

Following graduation from Freeport High School, Floyd enrolled at Ohio State University, then served in the U.S. Army in Korea. He was originally trained in NBC (nuclear, biological, and chemical) weaponry. However, once he arrived in Korea, he was assigned to the 8125th Army Sentry Dog detachment. One night Dad was on patrol with his dog, Val, and something caught Val's attention. The dog sprinted off with Dad, rifle in hand. Eventually Val found what he was looking for - a rabbit. Dad laughed and leashed Val, then made his way back to camp. In the morning, his commanding officer asked for a recap of the evening's events. When dad told him the story and outlined the route, the commander told him he was a lucky guy. Floyd and Val had walked through an unmarked land mine which hadn't been mapped!

After the service, Dad re-entered Ohio State University and then met Shirley Ann Wells, his future wife, after being asked to train the dog of one of Shirley's sorority sisters. Floyd and Shirley were married on August 2, 1958.

They raised their three sons at Country Mile Farm, the property Floyd originally bought with Jim, his brother, with some help from Shirley's father.
The past week, people have made the following remarks about Floyd:

Floyd was a father to us, and also a father figure for many young folks in Belmont County.

He was a great man. He gave me my first job when I was 13 or 14 helping on the farm. He taught me a lot growing up.

My son is devastated by Floyd's passing. He was like the grandfather my son never had.

Floyd was a community leader. His many activities included taking collection at Belmont United Methodist Church, serving as Commander at American Legion Post 312, serving on the steering committee for the Smith-Goshen Landowners Group, and acting chairman and consultant for the Drovers Trail Scenic Byway.
Floyd was also an excellent artist, using slate to create paintings of people and animals. He drew intriguing cartoons for the church bulletin, and for years drew caricatures of children at the Barnesville Middle School career day.

In all things, Dad showed kindness of spirit and generosity of heart. He was a traveling animal pharmaceutical salesman who looked forward to being back home. Returning home one day, his wife met him at the door, insistent that Ron had been bad and "needed a spanking." Floyd took his young son by the arm and announced loudly, "C'mon, let's go back and take care of this!" Then he closed his office door and whispered, "When I tell you to, yell REAL LOUD." He gave the signal and Ron let out a big fake cry.

That was our softhearted dad in a nutshell.

Family and friends will be received at Toothman Funeral Home in St. Clairsville, Ohio, on Thursday from 10 a.m. until time of Service at 1 p.m. with Rev. Theresa Bobot and Rev. Dan Purdom officiating, with additional thoughts from Charlie Tobias. Burial will follow in Wesley Chapel Cemetery, Belmont, Ohio.

Will you help us fight the disease that took our father from us?

If so, please contribute in Floyd's name to The Aplastic Anemia and MDS International Foundation (http://www.aamds.org/donate/tribute).

Local contributions can be made to Belmont United Methodist Church or the Smith-Goshen Rice Enrichment Fund.