Final Salute

Harry Melvin Simpkins, III

March 19, 1930 – September 28, 2023

Ridgeland, Mississippi – Harry Melvin Simpkins, III, passed into heaven on September 28, 2023, while surrounded by family holding his hands and offering prayer and praises to God for a truly wonderful man. Harry was 93 years old and lived a long and wonderful life. In addition to his professional work as a Civil engineer, he was active in many endeavors during his life – ministry, camping, flying, travel, photography, tennis, and other outdoor activities.

Harry was a humble and sincere man of faith who put God first in everything. He lived his faith in word and deed. He was not famous, but he had a big reputation. If you did not pay attention, or you judged him by his quiet nature, you would never know how much he accomplished or how well he used his time and his life. He loved reading his Bible, studying Christian topics, and journaling. He was passionate about ministry and loved worshiping Jesus. He served as a lay minister many Sundays when small churches did not have a pastor. While in Gulfport, he was a member of First Presbyterian Church where he served as both a deacon and then as a ruling elder. He was instrumental in starting the Boy’s Club of Gulfport, Youth for Christ, and the International Seaman Center in Gulfport which ministers to sailors at the Port of Gulfport. He was an active participant in numerous ministries, but his true legacy is found in his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, whose lives reflect a commitment to the Lord Jesus Christ. His journals reveal a man devoted to praying daily for his children and their children to lay this foundation.

Harry was preceded in death by his parents, Harry M. Simpkins, Jr. and Anna Leona Simpkins, his sister Hazel Williams, and his granddaughter Auden Jubilee Simpkins. He is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Dale Lindsey Simpkins, his children Harry Monroe “Monty” Simpkins (Mary Ann), Marc Lindsey Simpkins (Ruth), Virginia Leona Darwin (Mike), Kelly Dunleath Simpkins (Angela), and Joseph Dale Simpkins (Leslie). He is also survived by 17 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.

Harry was born on March 19, 1930, in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. He graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a Civil Engineering degree in 1952 and enlisted in the Navy Civil Engineering Corps in 1953. Harry began his Navy career in Los Angeles but was transferred to the Seebee base in Gulfport, Mississippi in 1954. Harry told the story that before he was transferred to Gulfport, he asked a buddy what it would be like to live in Mississippi. The buddy told him “Your towels won’t ever dry, and you won’t leave single”. Both statements proved accurate. He married Dale 1n 1955. Harry left active duty in 1957 but remained a member of the Navy Reserve until his retirement from service in 1980. He rose to the rank of Commander and served from 1972-1974 as Commanding Officer of RNMCB 24 which had 18 divisions in 5 states.

Harry became a partner in Hill & Simpkins, Ltd. architectural/engineering firm in Gulfport before forming his own structural engineering firm in 1973. The firm became Simpkins & Costelli, Inc. with the addition of Mike Costelli in 1980. Harry and Mike built one of the premier consulting engineering firms on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, known for its quality of work, integrity, and the partners’ mutual desire to place God first in their dealings with others.

Harry and Dale lived in Gulfport until shortly after he retired in 1998. They eventually made their home in Ridgeland and became active members of Highlands Presbyterian Church. His hardest times were when he could not walk well, meet with his men’s group, read his bible easily, or journal. Despite this hardship, he never lost his sense of humor and love for others.

The family is especially grateful for the love and care the staff at The Blake at Township in Ridgeland gave him, often going well above what would have been expected. Many made their way to his room the morning before he passed simply to express their affection for him, Dale, and the family.

A memorial service celebrating his life will be held at Highlands Presbyterian Church, 1160 Highland Colony Parkway, Ridgeland, Mississippi on Saturday, October 28, 2023, at 11:00 a.m., preceded by a visitation period beginning at 10:00 a.m. at the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made in Harry’s name to the Highlands Presbyterian Church Deacons Fund, Gateway Rescue Mission, or French Camp Academy.

Published by The Sun Herald on Oct. 26, 2023.