Obituary
Rodney Lane Simpkins, Jr.

Rodney Lane Simpkins, Jr., 85, passed away peacefully in his home in Clayton, NC on April 17, 2025. Rodney was born August 1, 1939, in Rocky Mount, NC to Rodney Lane Simpkins, Sr. and Corinna Mae Smith Simpkins (both deceased). He spent time in his early years in New Bern, NC and Jacksonville, NC. He graduated from Jacksonville High School in 1957. After high school he attended UNC, Chapel Hill, NC. While in Jacksonville, he met his future wife, Bettie June Barnes. They married in August, 1960. He graduated from UNC in 1961, where he earned his degree in Economics and International Relations. He began his work career with IBM shortly thereafter. He moved to Raleigh in the early 60’s. During his career with IBM he, many times, achieved Golden Circle status- one of IBM’s most prestigious individual sales awards. Rodney was an avid hunter and fisherman. He also was a “man of the land”. He spent many weekends scouring plowed fields and farmland for Indian artifacts (arrowheads and pottery.) He shared his love for these historic artifacts and tools with many groups like Boy Scouts and Indian Guides. His collection is noteworthy in its quality and quantity. Rodney liked to travel with his family and his friends. One of his favorite trips was a hunting Safari to Africa with several of his long-time friends. He was the photographer of this journey. He left behind many photographic memories. Family property on the AIWW (Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway) in Hampstead ,NC was his “happy place”. After retirement, he spent many years fishing, crabbing, and shrimping on the waterway. He eventually made Hampstead his home. During his retired years he took on many local projects that benefited others. One he was most proud of was that he designed, permitted, and implemented jetties that have preserved the canal access from the waterway for his community. One of the many things he passed along to his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren was “MR. D.O. P.A.” (Make Ready, DO, Put Away). He also stressed: have integrity; hard work . . . the harder you work, the luckier you get; be supportive (to spouse, coworkers, children); be an encourager; think more, speak less; avoid assumptions (trust then verify); be generous and willing to help others in need. When his health began to decline, he moved from Hampstead to Clayton to be closer to family. He soon required in-home care. Ms. Ruby with MercyLand Home Health Care provided compassionate and loving care, as well as friendship to Rodney. In August 2024, Rodney decided to go into Hospice Care with 3HC Home Health. In Hospice, his health improved, and he had 8 more months with family and friends. His only kidney finally gave out. From that point forward, he had a brief, but rapid decline. Rodney is survived by his wife of 64 years, Bettie June Barnes Simpkins; his son Rodney Lane Simpkins III and wife, Jill; his daughter June Berkeley Simpkins Bennett and husband, Cort; his son Scott Fitz-Gerald Simpkins and wife, Julie; grandchildren Michael Brandon Simpkins, Monica Lane Simpkins, Berkeley Nicole Bennett Cummins (Kevin), Grayson Olivia Bennett (fiancée Javier), Connor Redding Simpkins, Grant Emerson Simpkins (fiancée Maddy), Scott Franklin Simpkins; 2 step-grandchildren Ashley Bennett Walters (John), Cort John Bennett (Hannah); great grandchild Nicole Mae Cummins. He is also survived by his brother Phillip Simpkins and sister Carolyn Turner Smith. A Celebration of Life will be held on June 14, 2025, from 1:00 – 3:00 at the Family Life Center at Temple Baptist Church, 1417 Clifton Street, Raleigh. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Rodney's memory to Tunnels to Towers (https://t2t.org) or to Marshgrass Restoration Project (https://www.nccoast.org/give/) Arrangements by City of Oaks, Raleigh, NC (919) 438-1649 www.cityofoakscremation.com