Robert Lee Simpson, also known as Melvin Bankhead, born June 11, 1955 in Florence, Alabama, made his transition on October 23, 2021. He was preceded in death by his parents, Frances Bonner and Lee Patterson and brothers, Lee Patterson, Jr., Norris Patterson, and David “Crockett” Patterson.
Mr. Simpson attended Coffee High School. After high school, he served his country in the United States Air Force for 20 years touring the world. He was stationed in Turkey, the Philippines, Louisiana, Arizona, and Saudi Arabia. Upon retiring from the military, he returned to North Alabama and served the United States Postal Service for 26 years, spending his time singing in choir at church and travelling with his wife, Geneva.
Robert was a generous and loving husband, father, grandfather, and sibling.
He leaves to cherish and honor his life: his loving wife, Geneva Simpson; two sons, Melvin Simpson and Orrien Simpson; four grandchildren, Cailin Simpson, Jordan Simpson, Joseph Simpson, and Reighn Simpson; two brothers, Curtis “Buddy” Bankhead and Kenneth Patterson; and seven sisters, Duretha Smith, Janice Bankhead, Sheliah Davis, Lena Cole, Lisa Carter, Audrey Smith-McIntosh, and Cherly Smith; and a long host of cousins, nieces, nephews, friends, and in-laws.
Funeral service will be 11:00 a.m., Saturday, October 30, 2021 at Progressive Union Missionary Baptist Church (1919 Brandontown Road Huntsville, AL 35816) with Pastor Dion Watkins officiating. Interment will be in Oakwood Cemetery in Sheffield, AL. Mr. Simpson will lie in repose one hour prior to funeral time.
The Simpson family will receive guests from 5:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m., Friday, October 29, 2021 at the Royal Chapel of Memories.
Public viewing will be held from 2:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m., Friday, October 29, 2021 and 8:30 a.m. until 9:00 a.m., Saturday, October 30, 2021 at the Royal Funeral Home.
MASK ARE REQUIRED TO BE WORN FOR MR. SIMPSON’S SERVICE!
