Roy was born February 1, 1931 in Fairfax, SD to Robert and Myrtle (Northrup) Simpson. At a young age he worked as a farm hand for several area farmers. Roy married Rhodora Dora Colvin on September 16, 1950 in Mitchell. They lived in several different areas while working as a farm hand. They moved to Kansas City, MO where he worked as a factory worker at the GM Plant, before returning to South Dakota. After settling back in South Dakota he worked for public schools and then settled in Mitchell working as a laundry supervisor for St. Joseph Hospital until his retirement. Roy enjoyed fishing, hunting, gardening and spending time with family and friends, and was a member of the First United Methodist Church. Roy is survived by his wife Dora Simpson, Mitchell, two sons; Randy and wife Georgia, Oacoma, SD, Rick and wife Betty Jo, Rapid City; one daughter, Robin and husband Wayne Ferrin, Parkston. Grandchildren: Renae Orth, Rochelle Harris, Ron Simpson, Mandy Simpson, Cary Simpson, Roxanne Pritzkau, Ryan Simpson, Bradley Johnson, and Lt. Quenten Johnson. Great-grandchildren: Devin Santana, Payton Flakus, Brittani Harris, Kolton Harris, Dakotah Simpson, Alexis Simpson, Jaiden Simpson, Skyler Cullen, Hunter Pritzkau, and Austin Simpson. Two sisters Betty and Bonnie of Minnesota. He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother Robert, two sisters, Della Jean and Ada.