John Simpkins

John Simpkins, 72, of Forest Hills, Kentucky departed from this life on Friday, January 10, 2025 while at the Greg and Noreen Hospice Care Center in Hazard, Kentucky. He was born on June 23, 1952 in Matewan, West Virginia to the late Abe Lincoln and Sally June Simpkins. John worked for the Appalachian Regional Hospital in South Williamson, Kentucky for 40 years. He was President, Vice President, and Shop Stewart of the Union for 32 years. He helped negotiate 15 contracts for ARH and the steel workers Union while there. He will be lovingly remembered as the Santa at the Appalachian Regional Hospital, as well as the VA, Shriners, and the Kiwanis Club, where he diligently provided service for over 30 years. For over 20 years, he was a member of the East Williamson Baptist Church, where he was a Sunday School Teacher. John was a large part of the community and will be dearly missed by all who knew him. Those left behind to cherish his memory include his loving wife of 42 ½ years, Judy Simpkins, his son, Randy Kemp Mullins, his brothers, Davie (Bonnie) Simpkins and Travis (Pam) Simpkins, his sister, Diane Simpkins, and his grandchildren, Hayden and Keria. He also leaves behind special friends, Mark and Tonya Jackson, Randy and Rachel Thacker, Freddie and Carolyn Newsome, Paul and Emma Renn, Susan and Rod Stewart, Ted Gilman, Marty Stepp, Okey Hatfield, Sandra Goble, Steve Mickey, James Honaker, Randy Rhodes, and a host of others. Memorial services for John will take place at the East Williamson Baptist Church in Williamson, West Virginia with visitation on Friday, January 17, 2025 from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM and a memorial service being held on Saturday, January 18, 2025 from 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM with his brother, Travis Simpkins officiating. Burial will be to follow at the Simpkins Family Cemetery in Beech Creek, West Virginia. Chafin Funeral Home is proudly handling arrangements for the Simpkins family. In leiu of flowers, please send donations to the Greg and Noreen Hospice Care Center, located in Hazard, Kentucky, in honor of John. For a gift of $100, a 4x8 brick can be purchased in John’s memory.

John Simpkins

June 23, 1952 - January 10, 2025

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John Simpkins

June 23, 1952 - January 10, 2025

365 Days of Grief Support

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

About Us

Resources

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

Contact Information