AMERICUS — Dr. Harvey Lee Simpson Jr., 86, of Americus died Thursday, May 30, 2019, at his home. A native of Sumter County, he was born Feb. 12, 1933. to the late Harvey Simpson Sr. and Eunice Carter Simpson.

Funeral services will be held at 4 p.m., Sunday, June 2 at St. John’s Anglican Church in Americus. Father Jim Parker will officiate the service. The family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m., Saturday, June 1 at Greg Hancock Funeral Chapel.

In 1961, Dr. Harvey Simpson opened his medical practice in Americus and was affiliated with Sumter Regional Hospital, where he served the community for 42 years. During his years of practice, he served as chief of staff and chief of surgery. In addition to his medical contributions to the community, he was a member of the Americus Jaycees and Kiwanis Club.

In 1966, Dr. Simpson helped start Southland Academy, an accomplishment of which he was most proud. He served on the Southland Academy Board of Directors from 1966 to 1972, and then again from 1985 to 1990. During both of these terms, he held the position of chairman of the Board. Dr. Simpson’s dedication and loyalty to Southland Academy extended far beyond administrative roles. Starting in 1971, the first year Southland had an athletic program, he acted as team physician, a position he held for decades. He had children enrolled at Southland from 1966 to 2003, but his love and dedication continued until he died.

In recent years, Dr. Simpson served on the Phoebe-Sumter Hospice Board, was an active member of the St. John’s Men’s Fellowship, the Wood Butchers, and the Romeos.

Dr. Simpson is survived by his wife of 41 years, Jody Simpson of Americus; five daughters and sons-in-law: Stacy and Terry Davis, Kelly and Jeff Putman, Leah and Scott Thompson, Mandy and Matt Latta, and Aynsley and Tate Girardeau; and one son, Dr. Harvey Lee (Tripp) Simpson III and his wife Robyn. Thirteen grandchildren also survive: Chaz Davis, Brannen Davis, T.D. Davis, Harvey Simpson IV (Madison,) Lindsey Simpson, Landry Simpson, Neel Putman, Mary Carter Putman, Haley Thompson, Hayden Thompson, Sarah Shea Latta, Asher Latta, and Daxton Girardeau.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to: St. John’s Anglican Church, 230 Southland Road, Americus GA 31709; Southland Academy Foundation, P.O. Box 1127 Americus GA 31709, or to Phoebe-Sumter Hospice, P.O. Box 1434, Americus GA 31709.

You may sign the online guestbook at www.greghancockfuneralchapel.com.

Greg Hancock Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.