Curtis Larry Simpson, 80, of Lampasas died on July 26, 2024.
Larry was born on Sept. 30, 1943 to Emil Simpson and Edith Book Simpson in Greenway, Arkansas, where he spent his childhood and teen years. He graduated from Greenway High School in 1961.
After graduation, he tried out for the Cincinnati Reds baseball team. He did not hear back from the team, so he enlisted in the U.S. Army. Soon after enlisting, he got the call that he had been selected for the team, but it was too late as he already had committed to serve his country.
Larry served three years at Fort Hood. He met his wife, Janice Cook, in Lampasas at the drive-in. They married in 1964 in Lampasas.
After an honorable discharge from the U.S. Army, he worked several different jobs until he attended Central Texas College. He then attended Tarleton State University and graduated in 1973 with a degree in accounting. He worked for Hill Country Community Action and Arrow Trailways until his medical retirement in 2003.
Larry's joy in life was coaching his daughters, nephews and grandchildren in Little League baseball and softball, including championship runs.
His love for travel led to his side career as a charter bus driver for Arrow Trailways for many years. His work took Larry all around the country.
He was a member of Broad Street Church of Christ. He volunteered his time as a bus driver for church events and outings.
He was preceded in death by his daughter, Janet Simpson Orem; granddaughter Carlie Ward; brothers Don Simpson and Wendell Simpson; and sisters Bessie Fielder and Caroyln Burris.
Larry is survived by his wife, Janice Cook Simpson of Lampasas; daughter Marla Simpson Ward (Rodney) of Cedar Park; grandchildren Alex Simpson (Claire) and Brandyn Lee of Lampasas, Marlan Smith (Justin) of Seaford, Delaware, and Macie Ward of Cedar Park, Texas; great-grandchildren Bradly Smith and Kaylee Smith; sister Maggie Brigman (Bill) of Campbel, Missouri; and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Heritage Funeral Homes of Lampasas.
