James Simpson

Rusty Simpson, 72, passed away on May 8, 2023. He was born in Hahira on September 10, 1950, to the late Russell and Betty Jean Simpson. Rusty graduated from Lowndes High School in 1968 where he played both baseball and basketball. He graduated from Valdosta State College with a B.A. in Marketing in 1972. While at Valdosta State from 1969-1972, he played baseball as a third baseman and pitcher earning All-American honors in 1970. He went on to play minor league baseball with the Montreal Expos for one year before his career ended due to injury. Though his baseball career was cut short, his love for baseball continued as a spectator and coach, as he spent many years coaching youth baseball teams at the Valdosta YMCA and Valdosta Boys & Girls Club. Rusty was a longtime employee at Johnson Distributing Company in Valdosta, Georgia, serving as General Manager before his retirement in 2007.

He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Crissy (Simpson) and Lan Barrett of Augusta, and son and daughter-in-law Scott and Dwan Simpson of Douglas; five grandchildren, Kate, Wright, and Rebecca Blue Barrett of Augusta, Jake and Annalyse Simpson of Douglas; his sister and brother-in law, Robi and Garry Johnson of Sylvester, and brother, Alan Simpson of Valdosta. Mr. Simpson is preceded in death by his father, James Russell Simpson, Sr. and his mother, Betty Jean (Rountree) Simpson.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, May 16, 2023 at 10 a. m. in the chapel of the Carson McLane Funeral Home with Pastor Bill Watson officiating. Burial will follow at Sunset Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5 until 7 p. m. May 15th at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the VSU Foundation Athletic Fund. Condolences may be expressed online at www.mclanecares.com.