Carlton Eugene Simpson

Carlton Eugene Simpson, born August 2, 1935, in Kannapolis, North Carolina, passed away on October 17, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. Adopted by his grandparents at an early age, he overcame hardship through his faith and a strong work ethic that guided him throughout his life.

Gene graduated from A.L. Brown High School, then attended High Point University. In a letter written to his granddaughter as she began her freshman year at HPU, “I came to High Point College in the fall of 1956, anxious, afraid and unsure of what the future held. I made it with the help of a lot of people and of course the Good Lord”. He continued his studies at the Candler School of Theology at Emory University, graduating with a Bachelor of Divinity. His commitment to learning and love for people shaped every chapter of his life. Early in his career, he served as the Minister of Rockwell Methodist Church and as Dean of Students at Spartanburg Community College. He was a charter member of United Methodist Church of the Covenant and served faithfully up until his last days.

He had an infectious personality, never met a stranger and always had a story or a joke to tell, especially to anyone wearing Gamecock or Tarheel attire.

Gene is survived by his devoted wife of 66 years, Margaret Shelton Simpson; his daughters, Lynn Feiman (Bruce) and Janie Simpson (Troye Mathews); Three granddaughters, Courtney Beard (Jordan), M.E. Whitworth (Brett), and Ginna Miller (Zach). He also leaves behind three great-grandchildren, with a fourth joyfully expected.

A service celebrating Gene’s earthly life and heavenly homecoming will be held at United Methodist Church of the Covenant, 9020 Asheville Highway, Boiling Springs, South Carolina on Friday, October 30th. Visitation will begin at 2:00 pm followed by the service at 3:00 p.m.

Memorials may be made to United Methodist Church of the Covenant for Hendrix Elementary Bags which contain food items for children in the local school.