- Date Of Birth: February 2, 1953
- Date Of Death: September 27, 2022
- State: Ohio
Douglas Lee Simpson Sr. was born to the union of Mr. James C. Simpson Sr and Sarah Hairston-Simpson. Douglas became the 10th born of 15 children. Douglas was born in Welch West Virginia on February 2, 1953. In 1956 the family moved to Oakwood Village, Ohio. In 1960 the family relocated to Cleveland, Ohio. At this time his mother, Sarah adamantly insisted on uniting the family with the Temple Baptist Church under the pastoral guidance of “The late great Rev. Eugene W. Ward Sr. and the The Great Big Family.
Douglas accepted Jesus Christ as his lord and Savior at an early age and joined the Temple Baptist Church. Douglas found great joy in deeply studying the Bible and God’s Animal Kingdom. His love for tropical fish and aquatic life became a highlight of his spirit. He was a diligent readier, often quoting paragraphs word for word.
Douglas received his formal education in the Cleveland Public School System, graduating in the top quarter of his high class. Douglas loved Math and his first job upon graduating from East High School was as the May Company.
Douglas was the “Fastest Runner” in the community and often won money during these track meets called “street tracks”! He formed a singing group with his younger brothers during the ’70s and called them “Simplicities of Soul”. He even re-arranged his parents furniture in the home to fit for dance routines and song medleys. He would mainly do the choreography himself, then, demand his younger brothers learn the routines. He made sure they were prepared to win every talent show, including gospel performances at his Family church. When the brothers got older and went on with their individuals lives, Douglas and some friends started the singing group “Ladies Choice”.
Douglas first child Quinisa Michelle Hairston was born to him and Belinda Hairston on August 14, 1974. He later met and married Iris Adams and to this union Douglas L. Simpson, Jr was born. He then began his lifelong career working as an industrial steel designer-cutter for General Steel Corporation, where he dedicated 40 strong years of becoming the best industrial Steel Cutters in Ohio.
On Tuesday, September 27, 2022 our Brother Douglas Lee Simpson, Sr.
We as a Family must make mention of his very special and loving niece Tenishia D. Hood, who helped take great care of him with unwavering affection. And granddaughter Karema Hairston who cared for him in his latter days. And a host of friends as well as the Great Big Family of the Temple Baptist Church.
