Demi G Simpkins

Demi G. Simpkins, born August 19, 1936, and died October 25, 2022, grew up in Floyd County, Virginia.  The son of Colon Chester Simpkins and Nanny Dove Hollandsworth Simpkins, survived by his wife of 62 years, Etta Mae Martin Simpkins, son Stephen Scott Simpkins of Denton, daughter Deborah Sue Simpkins Fullerton (Mark Fullerton) of Greenville, SC, brother Rodney Simpkins of Roanoke, sister Sarah Sue Simpkins Akers of Hopewell, VA, grandson Allen Grant Simpkins of Raleigh (fiancée Jennifer Ann Sinclair) of Raleigh, granddaughter Eliza Mae Simpkins of High Point, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his brother Royster Simpkins of Giles County, VA and brother Victor Simpkins of Indian Valley, VA.
He graduated from Willis High School and joined the Army’s 101st Airborne Division known as the Screaming Eagles, where he excelled in administrative skills working for a Major stationed in Germany.  After discharge, he returned to Virginia, met and married his wife and started a shipping job at Klopman Mills in Dublin, VA. He was promoted to a position in New York City and obtained a business degree from Rutgers University. Soon he was made head of the Transportation Division located in Asheboro. As Klopman Mills transitioned into Burlington Industries, Demi became Director of International Transportation, traveling to Europe, Asia and Mexico during his 47 years with the company.  He particularly liked Ireland, as the landscape reminded him of his native Virginia and the people were as friendly as Southerners.

He was an avid gardener, nurturing vegetables on his farm in the Blue Ridge mountains and delighted in sharing the bounty with friends and family. In good weather, he loved to play golf and had achieved three holes-in-one. In cold weather, he would be found in his workshop building birdhouses, particularly to save the bluebirds’ migration route. He took joy in giving his creations away.

He was a great storyteller and loved to tell jokes. He thought Two-Buck Chuck was the best invention ever.  He was the patriarch of the family, the keeper of generations of history, and a faithful friend to many, performing acts of kindness of which most people were unaware.  

There will be a celebration of his life on Oct. 28 at 4 pm at Pugh Funeral Home and visitation from 2:30-3:30 pm. Burial will be held on Monday, October 31, 2022 at 1:00 pm at the Southwest Virginia Veterans Cemetery in Dublin, VA.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Indian Valley, VA, Rescue Squad, to the nonprofit Pilot Light (www.pilotlightchefs.org) or to the Republican Party.