Raymond L. Simpson, of Florence, Kentucky, formerly of Harrison, passed away on Oct. 29, 2022, at the age of 63.
He was born on July 7, 1959, to Joseph R. and Sharon (nee Stuart) Simpson. Ray followed in his dad’s shoes and took up welding. He enjoyed spending time with his family however, he loved to work. He felt that it was his job to make money for his family. He was never called the teacher’s pet in school … he was the kid always getting into trouble. He was strong willed and spoke his mind … which got him in trouble. Ray did have a big heart and was blessed with seven children: Chrissy, Regina, Raymond, Tony, Cody, Sarah and Tara. After a divorce he met his complete opposite Linda Trimpe Dhonau and they were married on June 3, 1995. He became the bonus dad to Brian, Shanna and Jason. Ray was known to tell Linda “You don’t know everything” but 99.9% of the time she was right.
Ray was always buying items at auctions or Facebook Marketplace. He was the official collector of items that he thought he could fix but never got around to it. In his eyes, Ray could fix anything and make it look better with a can of spray paint, even the carpet. However, for the rest of his family they always got a good laugh on some of his fixing–up stories.
Ray enjoyed watching his grandchildren in sporting events, watching “Wizard of Oz” together and he was always the crazy grandpa … which got him the nickname “Co Co.“ Ray’s emergency phone calls to his children for McDonald’s or help with his computer will be missed now that he is gone but the memory of all his funny requests will live on with those he left behind.
Survivors include his loving wife: Linda (nee Trimpe) Simpson; dear children: Chrissy (Gary Baynum) Hernandez, Regina Pedrotti, Raymond (Tammy) Simpson, Brian Dhonau, Shanna Dhonau, Jason (Robin) Dhonau, Sara Brickner-Burns, and Tara Lindner; cherished grandchildren: Olivia, Emily, James (Donna) Krista (Steve), Lindsey (Theo), Erica (Nathan), Sammy, Adam, Shane, Aiden, Kylee, Jayceb, Hailey, Henry, Bryn, Sophia, Michael, Josh, Christopher, Lacey, Morgan, Gabby, and Dakota; beloved great grandchildren: Liam, Caiden, and Maddie. He is also survived by his dear father: Joseph Simpson; siblings: Joseph A. (Ramie) Simpson, James A. Simpson, Steven L. Simpson, Paul (Jamie) Simpson, Betty (Barry) Kober, Rita (Rick) Robben, and Lisa (Greg) Rowe; numerous nieces and nephews; father-in-law: Daniel Trimpe; brothers-in-law: Bill and Dave (Sherry) Trimpe; and aunt: Anna Lee Dennis. We can’t leave out the most important survivor Rosie, his dog.
Preceded in death by his sons: Tony and Cody Simpson; mother: Sharon (nee Stuart) Simpson; siblings: Michael Simpson, Bobby Simpson and Mary Billingly; and mother-in-law: Betty Trimpe.
Visitation will be at Brater Winter Funeral Home, 201 S. Vine St., Harrison, on Sunday, Nov. 6, 2022, from 3 p.m. until the time of the funeral service at 6 p.m. Graveside services will be on Monday, Nov. 7, 2022 at 10:45 a.m at St. John the Baptist Catholic Cemetery, Harrison.
Ray didn’t believe in sending flowers because they just die so if you want to do something nice in memory of him memorials are requested to St. Vincent dePaul to help those in need. Funeral home representative will be available during the visitation to accept memorials. If you are unable to attend mail your donation made payable to St. Vincent de Paul to Brater Winter Funeral Home, 201 S. Vine St., Harrison, OH, 45030. They will notify the family and mail to charity.
