William Thomas Simpson, 66, of Clayton Mill River Road passed away Monday, Oct. 29, 2018, at his home in Clayton. A native and lifelong resident, he was born April 28, 1952, the son of the late Alexander Dawson Simpson and Mary Elaine McDonnell Simpson. He was a graduate of Mount Everett Regional High School in Sheffield. Mr. Simpson was a proud member of the United States Air Force from Oct. 16, 1970, until being honorably discharged Oct. 15, 1974. He served with the Strategic Air Command at the Minot Air Force Base in North Dakota. Bill was a master plumber licensed in both Massachusetts and Connecticut. He enjoyed being his own boss. He took great pride in his work always striving to please each customer.
An active member of his community, he was a 28-year member of the New Marlborough Fire Department where he spent his last nine years as chief, retiring in 2003. He was also a member of the Canaan Fire Department for several years. Bill enjoyed golf, football, baseball and motorcycles. His favorite sports teams were the Dallas Cowboys and the New York Yankees.
He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Sharlene Holmes Simpson, whom he married May 18, 1974; his son, Alexander Simpson (Michelle Booth); his daughter, Kimberly Simpson; and his granddaughter, Abigail Simpson. He also leaves his sisters Eileen Clarke (Frank), Nancy O’Brien (Larry) and Judith Varney; his sister-in-law Sharilyn Ogren; brothers-in-law Stuart and Shervin Holmes; and many nieces, nephews, great friends and his ever-faithful companion Barkley. He was predeceased by his parents as well as his dog Chloe.
A memorial Mass will be celebrated Saturday, Nov. 3, at 11 a.m. at Our Lady of the Valley Church in Sheffield, conducted by Rev. Peter Noranjo. The family will receive friends Friday, Nov. 2, from 5 to 7 p.m. at FINNERTY & STEVENS FUNERAL HOME in Great Barrington. Donations in memory of Bill may be made to the New Marlborough Fire Department through FINNERTY & STEVENS FUNERAL HOME, 426 Main St., Great Barrington, MA 01230. To send remembrances to the family, go to https://www.finnertyandstevens.com.
