William Pride Simpson

William Pride Simpson, 61, passed away peacefully on January 9, 2023 at his home surrounded by his loving family following a courageous battle with cancer.

He was born May 25, 1961 to the late Robert Truesdale Simpson and Sarah Wray Simpson.

In his youth he was most well known for being a gifted athlete as well as a prankster who rarely declined a challenge in the Hope Valley Country Club community.

When reminiscing of the shenanigans, the stories were never ending, never duplicated and even as a grown adult you would find yourself giggling or shaking your head with a smile.

His athletic ability helped Ravenscroft achieve a Basketball State Championship (1980) and three consecutive Football State Championships (1978, 1979 & 1980). In 1999, he was inducted into the Ravenscroft Alumni Sports Hall of Fame.    Billy contributed all wins to a combination of his teammates, luck and the patience & guidance of his coaches Jimmy Cox and Ted Stefano.  Coach Cox recently shared, “What made Billy so special was his toughness.  He was a tough & unflappable competitor.  Nothing set him back.”

He attended Hampden Sydney College, Louisburg College & North Carolina State University.   While at NC State, Billy became a member of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity and joined the Order of Cross & Chalice.

He completed his education at his dream school, University of Alabama.  Roll Tide!

As an avid Alabama fan in his youth, he wrote frequent letters to Coach Paul “Bear” Bryant who rewarded Billy’s loyalty with signed footballs from the 1974 NCAA Championship team & the 1975 SEC Championship team, both of which he cherished.

His wicked sense of humor entertained many.

A true southern gentleman who enjoyed treating others to fine dining, his famous 8-hour ribs and roadside Barbecue stands.

Dreamland in Birmingham was his favorite!

Billy always put the interest of others first, especially women.

A chivalrous man with polished etiquette.

He believed in making time for family, friends and was a great listener.

His three children Carter Wray, Pride & McKinney meant the world to him.  When asked some of their favorite Billy qualities –

allowing us to eat fast food, taking us night swimming at Wrightsville beach & ordering every dessert on the menu at restaurants – were all mentioned.

He made life fun and will be sorely missed.

He is survived by :

Wife – Melissa Herbert Simpson; Children – Carter Wray, John William Pride & Sarah McKinney.

Brother – Robert Truesdale Simpson (Heather) of Holly Springs &

Sister - Elizabeth Simpson Harmon (Ted) of Durham as well as many nieces, nephews and friends.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to so many of Billy’s friends who showed incredible & genuine support during this hardship. Too many to mention but especially his extended family & unique brotherhood with

Jock Brakebill, Greg Jurgensen, Jay Kennihan, John D. Lyon, William Parrish & Dean Shavlik – we will always, always remember your love & kindness.