George David Simpson, age 82 or Rayhnam, Massachusetts, passed away Saturday, May 21, 2022. He was born February 1, 1940 in Somerset, Kentucky to the late Carl and Sarah Simpson.
He is also predeceased by his late wife Martha Jean (Clark) Simpson, his son-in-law Dennis F. Staas and his 5 brothers Ralph, Herbert, Wayne, Harold, and Paul. He is survived by his daughters Esther Simpson, Sarah (John) Connor, Julia Staas and grandchildren Andrew Silva, Barrett Heeter, Victoria Staas, Aaron Connor, Matthew Connor and great grandchildren Kiana Silva, Olivia Bairos, and Andrew Silva, Jr.
George often told stories of his childhood in Somerset, Kentucky, and although he remembered it with great fondness, he had a great desire to see the rest of the world. He joined the U.S. Navy at the age of 17 and traveled the world. Upon leaving the Navy in his twenties he met Brazilian Pastor Josue Felix who inspired him to go into the ministry and become a Baptist missionary to Brazil. Josue would remain a mentor and close friend to George for life.
Hearing the calling, George attended Baptist Bible College in Springfield, Missouri in preparation to become a missionary. There he met the love of his life, Martha Jean Clark, and the two would marry and dedicate their lives to the work of missions. Together with their 6-month-old daughter, Esther, they journeyed by ship to Brazil to begin their life's work among the Brazilian people.
In Brazil, George & Martha planted multiple churches, founded and taught in a Bible institute, and established an American school for missionary children. As missionaries, they inspired many Brazilian young people to become pastors and leaders and to win souls for Christ, many of whom are in ministry today continuing the work.
In 1988, Martha suffered a life-threatening stroke which left her partially paralyzed, Martha and George continued their ministry as missionaries in Brazil and then in the US with the Portuguese speaking community around the Boston area. Throughout the journey of her later years, Martha was lovingly cared for by her devoted husband as they continued to minister and serve the Lord faithfully, walking hand in hand, as one, heart to heart.
The love and care that George had for Martha for the 33 years following her stroke is probably the greatest testament to the wonderful husband that he was and what marriage and commitment are all about. Many would talk about the devotion he had for Martha and the example he was to others.
George's love for the Brazilian brothers and sisters in Christ always remained strong until the end. By the fruits of his labor, no one will ever doubt he served the Lord with all his heart, mind and soul.
"Well done, good and faithful servant!"
Calling hours begin at 9:00 AM Thursday, June 2 in the Temple Baptist Church, 540 Manley St., West Bridgewater, MA 02379. A memorial service will be held at 10:30 AM. Interment will be at the Massachusetts National Cemetery, in Bourne, MA at 1:30 PM.
