

Philippians 1:3 "I thank my God always when I remember you"
Obituary for Wayne Kirby Simpson
Wayne Kirby Simpson was born on December 2, 1948, in Los Angeles, California, to James and Imogene Simpson, who preceded him in death. Wayne is survived by his best friend and wife of 54 years, Carolyn; his sons, Jason Wayne Simpson and Drew Wayne Simpson; his grandchildren, Brookelynn Alexis Lambert (husband Joshua), Nicholas Wayne Simpson, and Zoe Cardinale; his sister, Phyllis Tisdel (husband Arthur, III); his sister-in-law, Yvonne Williams; his brother-in-law, Leslie Williams; and his nieces Tiffany Williams, Macy Williams, Rhonisha, Amanda, and nephew Arthur.
In 1964, Wayne noticed a poised and graceful young woman on his way to football practice at Centennial High School. Her name was Carolyn Williams. Wayne attempted to “talk” to Carolyn, but she kindly explained that she was one of Jehovah’s Witnesses and did not date outside her religion. Wayne, intrigued by her faith, gave her a small cross as a gift. Carolyn thanked him but politely refused, further piquing Wayne’s interest.
A kind elder of Jehovah’s Witnesses, Curtis Tisdale, began to study the Bible with Wayne, and he cherished what he learned. Wayne discovered the Bible’s teachings about the purpose of life, why we get sick, grow old, and die, the condition of the dead, and the hope of resurrection. Most importantly, Wayne learned that God has a personal name, Jehovah, and that he could have an intimate friendship with Him. As a result, Wayne dedicated his life to Jehovah and was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses on October 10, 1970.
Wayne was an outstanding athlete, excelling in both football and baseball, and had the option to pursue either professionally. He chose baseball, where his love began early, starting with Little League at Athens Park in Los Angeles when he was just eight or nine years old. He became a first-round draft pick for the Cincinnati Reds in 1967 at the age of 18. Over his career, Wayne achieved impressive milestones, including pitching an extraordinary 1.21 ERA during his rookie year, earning him a spot on the National League All-Star team. He also played pivotal roles for the Anaheim Angels, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Kansas City Royals, among other teams, leaving a legacy of dedication and skill on the field. During baseball’s off-seasons, Wayne remained steadfast in his spiritual pursuits, continuing his Bible studies and prioritizing his spiritual growth.
And what of Carolyn, the quiet, thoughtful young woman who introduced Wayne to the Bible truths he came to cherish? While Wayne pursued his professional career, Carolyn focused on earning a bachelor's degree in science. After graduating in August 1970, she accepted Wayne’s proposal, and on November 14, 1970, they were married. Their bond, grounded in mutual love and shared faith, endured for over 50 years.
Wayne and Carolyn faced a unique challenge: how to engage in the Christian ministry given their unusual lifestyle. A wise traveling overseer advised them to use their circumstances to witness to individuals who might otherwise not hear the good news about God’s Kingdom. They embraced this advice wholeheartedly, sharing their faith with coaches, teammates, their wives, and others. Carolyn has continued to do so to this day.
Once Wayne retired from his secular baseball career, he fully immersed himself in his first love: serving Jehovah and his spiritual family of brothers and sisters. Wayne and Carolyn had the joy of regular pioneering together for four years, a time they cherished deeply. Additionally, Wayne was appointed as an elder and served faithfully, taking on the cherished role of Coordinator of the Body of Elders, a privilege he held for 33 years until the day before his passing. He aided many into the truth and was deeply loved by the friends in his congregation, where he was known as a loving and caring shepherd, always attentive to the needs of Jehovah’s sheep.
Although Wayne enjoyed many theocratic assignments and privileges, he was best known for his patience, genuine love, concern, and compassion. He never turned away anyone in need of a listening ear, a shoulder to cry on, or material support. Wayne was a steady guiding hand, training, assisting, and encouraging others to tenderly care for God’s sheep. Even children felt at ease with him and loved him dearly.
Wayne achieved much secular success in this world, but his greatest accomplishment was making a good name with his God, Jehovah. There is no doubt that Jehovah yearns to bring his beloved servant Wayne back to life in a restored paradise earth, where he will enjoy radiant health and be reunited with his beloved wife and best friend, Carolyn, family, and other loved ones. Until that time, we are comforted and encouraged by the words of the angel to Daniel: “But as for you, go on to the end. You will rest, but you will stand up for your lot at the end of the days.” (Daniel 12:13)
A Message from the Family
"We want to acknowledge and thank everyone for all of the visits, phone calls, cards, and most importantly, the prayers during this time. Your love and support have been a source of comfort and strength for us."
— The Simpson Family
Order of Service
Opening Song… Song 43
Obituary Reading… Brother Eddy Gilkey
Memorial Talk… Brother Frank Knight
Interview… Brother Clifford Williams
Closing Song… Song 159
Closing Prayer… Brother Eddy Gilkey
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Memories/ Condolences

My heart goes out to you. Words cannot express my sorrow about my big brother and true friend Wayne.
His loving mentoring, guidance, counsel, advice, wisdom and loving training and support has strengthen me all these years. He is a big reason that I am who I am.
For over 40 years I’ve had the privilege of witnessing his great love for you, the boys, your mom and family as well as the grandkids.
You both deserve much credit for being such spiritual pillars, not just for the family but for the entire congregation!
Thank you my sister for being there supporting Wayne as a loyal, faithful and loving wife, friend and spiritual woman.
Please know Sandra and I love you and we are ready to stand side by side with you and support you in any way you may need and desire.
May Jehovah provide you the comfort you deserve for your faithfulness.
(2 Corinthians 1:3-7)
I love you my dear sister and friend.
Dear Jason.
Thank you for taking such loving care of my brother, my sister and friends.
I know it hurts but take some solace in knowing that you did all you could when he was able to benefit from your loyal love the most.
Believe me when I say how much I love and appreciate you. And how proud I am of you. ❤️😢
-your uncle michael


John 5:28,29
Jehovah will take care of you and the family until his return!
Love you!❤️🌸🌺🫶🏾


Donna Cox

Wayne was such a great Elder and human being when we attended the same congregation with him and the family.
Although we moved I would still keep in contact with Bro. Simpson and when I’d call him I wouldn’t say who I was, but as I kept talking to him he’d say NYE!!” And we would just laugh and continue on with our conversation.
He was such a kind hearted individual inside and out and he no doubt loved Jehovah and loved serving as an Elder. He will truly be missed 💔
Truly look forward to seeing him again when death will be a thing of the past.
Our sincere condolences to the Simpson Family
1 Corinthians 15:55


Kenny and Celeste Redway



Jehovah is honored to hold such a beautiful person in his memory. I imagine the space that Brother Simpson holds in Jehovah’s memory is glistening, like a treasured gem would, because of his love, loyalty, faithfulness, and diligent shepherding of beloved sheep! It is heartwarming to think of how Jehovah and Jesus remembers more of him than we can ever recount! My family and I will always appreciate his welcoming spirit and genuine interest shown to us when we would visit the congregation and share moments among them! It was richly rewarding to share with him and family in the ministry, in recreation, and in caring moments with others! A spiritual pillar indeed! There was a tender and compassionate focus about him, as he would care for his theocratic responsibilities that we will always appreciate. His firm and determined example of endurance is one that we want to imitate! Our family feels the sorrow of losing him! How rewarding it will be when Jehovah and Jesus allow Brother Simpson to stand up again! His gifts in life can continue to make all hearts shine! It is encouraging as we think of him beaming with joy to be reunited with all his loved ones!
To be continued our dear Brother Simpson….
We love you Simpson family! We stand shoulder to shoulder with you to endure his loss with blazing hope!
🌺 Rom 12:12 🌺
The Towner/Easly Family
We are looking forward to the time when we’re all reunited again. Until then, our prayers are with each other.

Michael & Dorothy Morris
As a matter of fact I did meet his Granddaughter Brookelynn and I believe her grandmother at our pioneer mtg.
I am so sorry for the loss of such a precious brother! May Jehovah continue to give all of you Comfort and Peace💕💕💕
Sister Victoria Brown
South L. A. Cong.
And it’s funny how i feel that Starting with my own father I’m loosing all the men that played a roll in my life as a single man and a husband. But all we got to do is CONTINUE TO FIGHT!! With Jehovah’s Help 🙏🏾 because really We All We Got! In this deteriorating system.
We love you all Very much 💙
And Jehovah is truly going keep you in his care right on into that new world 🌍 we got to make it!!!
Biz& Red💙🙏🏾👊🏾

Smith Family
Dwight,Sr., Michelle, Dwight,Jr., David and Patty.
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We will come together to remember and pay tribute to Wayne Kirby Simpson. While we mourn the loss of a loving husband/ father/ grandfather/ brother/ friend, we also aim to cherish the moments shared and the joy he brought into our lives. Your presence would mean a great deal to us during this time of remembrance and reflection.
1501 Figueroa St. Willmington, CA
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82575243417