Obituary of Robert Wilson Simpson

Robert “Bart” Wilson Simpson, 69, of Tampa, earned his wings on May 10^th.   

Robert was born on June 17, 1953, in Seymour, Indiana, and moved to Tampa with his mother, Roberta A. Davis, in 1956.

Robert is survived by his wife, Debra Simpson, sister Nancy Thomas (JW), niece Lauren Mishos (Andrew), brother Bruce Davis; step-brother Thomas Davis (Linda); half-sisters, Cynthia Milby and Diana Simpson; mother-in-law, Betty Shumake; sisters-in-law, Barbara Kidd (Joe), Cindy Manning (Kevin), nieces and nephews,  five step-children and step-grandchildren from a previous marriage, many cousins, and numerous friends who were his extended family.

Robert was predeceased by his mother, Roberta A. Davis, and bonus father, Glen F. Davis; his biological father, Caly Simpson, and stepmother, Antonia; his half-brother, Michael Simpson; and his maternal and paternal grandparents and father-in-law, Walker Shumake.

He started driving big trucks after earning a Universal Truck Driver Schools, Inc. certificate in August 1976.  In 1985 he started his career with Hillsborough County in what would be his forever job, where he remained a devoted employee for more than 27 years and retired in 2012. Throughout his career, he formed many successful relationships and left a lasting impact on everyone he worked with.

In 2010 he met his beloved wife Debra, and they wed in 2011.

Robert loved to travel with his wife, Debra, and enjoyed his vacations with his siblings, +1 and the 2 Exes. He loved attending races such as the Gator Nationals, Daytona 500, NASCAR Cup Series held in Michigan and watching wrestling with his wife and best friends Janet and Karl Weide. He could often be found watching the history channel and surfing YouTube.  You could find him outside in his man shed in his spare time. He enjoyed riding his motorcycle and going to the beach in his younger days. 

Robert’s family and friends meant more to him than anything else.  Anyone who knew Robert knew that he had never met a stranger and his love for people, cars, and animals.  

A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, June 5^th, at Relevant Church, 1704 N. 16^th St., Tampa, Florida 33605.   (Ybor City, parking available Centro Ybor 16^th Steet, parking vouchers will be available), Visitation will begin at 12:15 PM, with service following at 1:00 PM.  Refreshments will be served immediately following the service.