Earl “Poppy” Franklin Simpson, age 89, passed away on Friday, March 13, 2026, at The Greens of Pinehurst, surrounded by his family.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, March 18, at 4:00 p.m. at Mt. Pleasant Christian Church with Pastor Chandler Wilkes officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service from 3 until 4, and at other times at Ben and Kelly’s home, 5231 Lobelia Road, Vass, NC. Burial will follow in the church cemetery
Earl was born in Hoke County on October 15, 1936, to the late Eddie Martin Simpson and Sarah Marks Simpson. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 68 years, Ethel Coore Simpson; his daughter, Elizabeth Ann Simpson Spruill; his son, Paul Duwayne Simpson; his sister, Frances Simpson Harrell Long; and his brothers, Ivan Simpson and George Allen Simpson.
He is survived by his daughter-in-law, Leanne Simpson; grandchildren, Kelly Haddock (Ben), Shannon Smith (Brandon), Audrey Burns (Hunter), Chad Simpson; great-grandchildren, Braxton, Sage, Ayden, Bristol, Charlotte; sister, Mary Edith Simpson Floyd; brother, Wayne Russen Simpson, and many nieces and nephews.
Poppy Earl loved to farm and be outdoors. He spent years building houses, and then went on to building bridges. Once he retired, he spent his days traveling with Sue, hunting, and tending to his farm. He was known for his vegetable stand in the summer and talking for hours with his customers about Jesus. He was a longtime member of Mt. Pleasant Christian Church. He left behind his love of farming to his grandchildren. He was loved very much and will be greatly missed. Condolences may be sent to www.coxmemorialfuneralhome.com.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mt. Pleasant Christian Church in memory of Poppy Earl.
The family has entrusted services to Cox Memorial Funeral Home & Crematory of Vass.
