IN LOVING MEMORY

Joe Randell Simpson

Oct 04 1931 - May 26 2025

Joe Simpson of Farmersville, Texas, passed away May 26, 2025 at the age of 93. He was born on October 4, 1931, in Girard, Texas, to Joseph and Bonnie Lee Simpson.

On June 2, 1955, Joe married the love of his life, Dorothy, in Littlefield, Texas. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

Joe’s love for athletics dates back to his high school years, where he lettered in football, basketball, baseball, and track at Spur High School. Graduating in 1949, he then attended Arlington State College on an athletic scholarship, where he played football, basketball, and participated in track. He later transferred to Hardin-Simmons University to continue his athletic and academic career on a basketball and baseball scholarship. At Hardin-Simmons, he played on the Border Conference Championship basketball team and was captain of the baseball team. He also played for a minor-league baseball team during this time. In 1953, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in secondary education, a teaching major in math, and a minor in physical education.

Mr. Simpson continued his education and received his Master of Education degree from the University of North Texas in 1957, with a major in secondary administration and minors in elementary administration and physical education. He also completed postgraduate work at UNT and pursued doctoral studies at the University of Texas at Dallas.

Joe dedicated his life to education and athletics. He served as head basketball coach at Littlefield High School; head basketball coach, head football coach, and athletic director at McKinney High School; head football coach at Hillcrest High School; and head football coach at Richardson High School. He later became the Athletic Director for Richardson ISD before being promoted to Assistant Superintendent. In addition to coaching, Joe was a scout for the Dallas Cowboys and a Director at the Main Camp at the YMCA Camp Grady Spruce for 5 summers. He then went on to serve as Superintendent of Farmersville ISD and later as Interim Superintendent for Bland ISD.

Some of his honors include the Texas High School Coaches Association Hall of Honor, 1977, the Paul Harris Fellow award in Rotary and the McKinney ISD Athletic Hall of Honor, 2021.

A man of strong faith, Joe was a member of First Baptist Church in Farmersville, where he was deeply respected and loved by his community.

Joe is survived by his sister, Jane; his children: Rory Simpson and wife Kathy of Morgantown, West Virginia; Rhonda Simpson of Farmersville, Texas; and Randell Simpson and wife Pam of Allen, Texas. He is also survived by eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

Joe Simpson will be remembered for his dedication to education, his leadership in athletics, and his unwavering love for his family and community.

A memorial service, to celebrate the life of Joe Simpson, will be held at 11:00 am on June 7th at Hurst’s Fielder-Baker Funeral Home (107 N. Washington Street in Farmersville). After the service, there will be a come and go gathering at Market Affair (101B Candy Street in Farmersville). This will be a time to connect and look at memorabilia from his coaching career along with snacks and refreshments. You’re warmly invited to join celebrate all the joy, kindness, and unforgettable moments he gave us.