Mr. Ron Simpson

Ronald Clarence Simpson, age 83, passed away October 3rd after suffering sudden heart issues. Born in Macon to Clarence Simpson and Mary Alice Cherry Simpson, he grew up in Athens, where he received his Bachelor's and Master of Science degrees at the Univ. of Georgia. While at UGA, he lettered for 3 years on the Varsity Rifle Team and was inducted into Xi Sigma Pi Honorary Fraternity. In 1966 he began his 34-year career with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, where he was Senior Wildlife Biologist. Ron wrote and implemented the Turkey Restoration Project for the State of Georgia, and this body of work resulted in the impressive turkey population that Georgia currently enjoys. He was also instrumental in establishing the Bob White Quail research on a statewide basis, bringing innovative approaches to this area of knowledge. Because of his expertise, Ron received numerous State and National awards, including Wildlife Conservationist of the Year by the Sears Foundation and the Georgia Wildlife Federation. The Wild Turkey Federation named him Biologist of the Year, where he served on their Technical Committee for 20 years. He also served on Boards of NESPAL at ABAC and Farm Service Agency in Tifton and Georgia Department of Agriculture and Farm Service Agency. In his spare time, Ron was a professional dog trainer and served as President of the Thronateeska Kenell Club and the Dog Obedience Club of Albany. Ron was actively involved with Quail Unlimited and the past chair of the Quail Unlimited Celebrity Hunt held here in Albany for many years. When he retired in 1996, Ron became the Southwest Representative for the Georgia Conservancy for several years before becoming a Wildlife Consultant for area plantations for 16 years. Ron held many leadership positions and was involved in community groups. He was a member of Porterfield Methodist Church and the Key Sunday School Class, was an election precinct manager, President and Treasurer of Thronateeska Heritage Foundation which was part of the Artesian Alliance where he received the Jim Fowler Environmental Award in 2023. Ron was active with Albany Sertoma organization and Past Presidents' Club, Sunbelt Camera Club, SW Georgia Coin Club and Albany Audubon. His interests included fishing, hunting, hiking, landscape and wildlife photography. He was a lover of nature. Ron enjoyed travel to "places less traveled", where he and Pat visited all 7 Continents. Survivors include Patricia Siler Simpson, his wife of 28 years, son Jeffrey Ronald Simpson and wife Diane Anderson Simpson of Watkinsville; daughter, Sherry Catherine Simpson, Atlanta; Grandchildren, Ronald Jeffrey Simpson (RJ) and wife Lara of Baltimore, Md. and Hayden Andrew Simpson, Watkinsville. He was preceded in death by infant daughter Judith Marie Simpson and granddaughter Catherine Jeanette Simpson. The Memorial Service for Ron Simpson will be held Saturday, October 11th at Porterfield Methodist Church at 11AM with visitation 1 hour prior to service. Kimbrell- Stern in charge of arrangements. Memorials can be sent to the Bereavement Committee of Porterfield Methodist or to Thronateeska Heritage Foundation attention: Tommy Gregors.

Mr. Ron Simpson

July 8, 1942 - October 3, 2025