Samuel Simpson

Samuel Edgerton “Sammy” Simpson Jr., 86, of Ruston, Louisiana, passed away on Wednesday, October 21, 2026. He was born on October 11, 1940, in Homer, Louisiana, to Sam Simpson Sr. and Mary Simpson. 

Sam graduated from Homer High School with the class of 1958 and attended Louisiana Tech University before enlisting in the United States Marine Corps in 1960. He served four years as an artilleryman with the 1st Marine Division, reaching the rank of Corporal and earning the Good Conduct Medal before his honorable discharge in 1964. He returned to Louisiana Tech and earned his bachelor’s degree in general business in 1967.

He spent 25 years as an accountant with Western Electric and AT&T in Shreveport. After retiring, he worked for Life University in Marietta, Georgia, until he moved to Ruston in 2007. Sam was an avid dancer who also loved fishing and shooting, and he was always devoted to his many cats. 

He was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy Bond Simpson; his parents, Sam Simpson Sr. and Mary Simpson; and his brother, John Simpson.

He is survived by his daughter, Shannon Penix (Greg) of Athens, Louisiana; his son, Scott Simpson (Alice) of Madison, Alabama; his stepdaughters, Sonya Riddick and Cheryl Bertrand; grandsons Preston Simpson (Hannah) of Madison, Alabama, Peyton Simpson of West Palm Beach, Florida, and Jacob London of Shreveport; granddaughter Ragan Penix of Athens, Louisiana; step-grandchildren James, Noah, and Holly; great-granddaughters Harper, Madelyn, and Sophie; and his cousins, Wayne Simpson and Claude Simpson Jr.

Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 25, 2026, at Forest Park Funeral Home in Shreveport, followed by a graveside service at Forest Park West Cemetery.