J. Ralph M.D. Simpson

Dr. Simpson, a long time resident of Monroe, died November 29 in Pensacola, Florida, where he has lived since 2001. Born in Vivian, Louisiana, Dr. Simpson grew up in Bastrop and attended Northeast Junior College, now known as University of Louisiana at Monroe. After completing two years of college, he joined the U.S. Navy during World War II, serving as a medical corpsman. After requesting a transfer to medical school, he was granted a special admission to LSU Medical School in New Orleans in 1943. There he met his wife of 63 years, Carolyn, whom he married after graduation from medical school. After completing an internship in Shreveport, the Simpsons returned to Bastrop where he entered private practice. Dr. Simpson again decided to enter the military, this time joining the Air Force where he was stationed in Japan. His contacts in the Air Force led to a fellowship at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. Following his fellowship, the Simpsons moved to Monroe where he practiced medicine for over 50 years. Additionally, Dr. Simpson founded The Pillars with his long time medical partner Christian Ulrich, M.D. His other interests included multiple business ventures and farming activities. Dr. Simpson was also an avid LSU football fan, traveling to every home football game for over fifty years. At the time of his death Dr. Simpson was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Pensacola, Florida.

Dr. Simpson is survived by his wife, Carolyn, three daughters, Sally Simpson Patterson and her husband Larry, Janice Simpson Sugar, Lynda Simpson Newbold and her husband Herb, and son, Joseph R. Simpson, Jr. and his wife, Jan. He is also survived by two grandchildren, Scott Patterson and Clay Patterson. He will be remembered by all as a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend.

Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday, December 2, at the Mulhearn Funeral Home, Sterlington Road, Monroe. Services will be held at the Covenant Presbyterian Church in Monroe on Saturday, December 3 at 2:00 p.m. Interment will follow at Mulhearn Memorial Park Mausoleum. Memorials may be made to the Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home, P.O. Box 4196, Monroe, Louisiana 71211.

Online Registry/Condolences: www.mulhearnfuneralhome.com