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Thomas Claude Simpson died peacefully at home on May 15, 2020. He was born in Etowah North Carolina on April 24, 1941.

He was preceded in death by his Father Claude Simpson and Mother Nannie Laughter Simpson and Sister Doris. He is survived by his Wife Susan Camp Simpson, Step-sons Scott Gaines (Donna), Jeramy Gaines (Holly), Grandson Jason Gaines (Holly), Granddaughter Jessica Morgan (Adam) and Great-Grand Daughter Kinsleigh Morgan. Also many beloved Laughter and Simpson Cousins. His dog Mac and Cat Dino.

Tom graduated from Western Carolina University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in 1965. He was very involved with the Jaycee Organization serving as President of the Hendersonville Jaycees from 1970-1971, State Vice-President from 1971 – 1972 and National Director from 1973 – 1974.

He also served in Economic Development under Governor James H Holtzhouser from 1972 – 1976. He worked in Banking, Sales and was a partner in operating WTYN Radio in Tryon for a time. He founded Simpson Insurance Agency in 1990 and was in partnership with his wife until his death. If you were a customer, you were a friend. He never retired.

Tom loved old European cars, many were bought and sold over his lifetime and he could tell you in detail about each one. He also loved watching over his family, dispensing advice whether we appreciated it or not, we will miss that. He loved his state of North Carolina and was never far from the mountains where he grew up in Etowah.

Go rest high on that mountain Tom, your work on earth is done. You were greatly loved on this earth and we hope to see you again someday.

Susan would like to thank Four Seasons Hospice in Hendersonville for their compassion and care for Tom during his final days. Beth, Carol, Mike, Brenda and Nicole made it possible for Tom to remain at home which was his wish. I can’t thank them enough.

No service is planned. We hope that you pause to remember Tom from time to time and smile. The family asks that any donations be to the Foothills Humane Society, 989 Little Mountain Rd., Columbus, N.C. 28722 for the Lennie Rizzo Special Cases Fund.

An online guest register is available at www.thosshepherd.com.

Submitted by Susan Simpson