Deacon Juan Simpson, Sr.

Deacon Juan Simpson Sr., affectionately known as “Bad Son Buck”, Bo-nade, Dino, Pops, and Paw-Paw, was called home to be with the Lord on April 29, 2025, at his residence. Deacon Juan Simpson Sr was born September 26, 1952, to William Woods and Virginia Simpson Reid in South Bend, Indiana. He received his education at South Bend Community School Corporation.

After watching a Christian film in 1999 that deeply moved him, he made a life changing decision to accept Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. Surrounded by grace and peace, Juan Simpson Sr. embraced salvation with a heart full of faith and love. Deacon Simpson Sr. joined Pentecostal that same year under the leadership of Bishop Donald L. Alford Sr. He was faithful member of the Trustee Board and served on the Deacon’s Board until his passing. He also drove the church van for Pentecostal Cathedral COGIC.

Juan Simpson Sr. was a dedicated and hardworking man who devoted over 4 decades of his life to his career as a crane operator at Steel Warehouse. He began his employment on March 15, 1973, and faithfully served until his retirement on November 21, 2018. His commitment, work ethic and reliability left a lasting impression on his colleagues and the community he served. With the wind in his face and the open road ahead, he found peace and exhilaration riding his beloved Harley Davidson. His passion for the ride was not just about the bike- it was about freedom, adventure, and the camaraderie of fellow riders. Known by his radio handle “Bo-nan”, he was a familiar voice in the community, sharing tales and good-natured humor that uplifted everyone who turned in. He loved scary movies with his granddaughters.

On October 5, 1972, Juan Simpson Sr. married the love of his life, Sandra Louise Malone Simpson. Their union was blessed with 3 children Terrica (Melvin)Smith, Juan (Alisa)Simpson Jr. and Antwann (Tenia) Simpson Sr., 10 grandchildren Brittney Latham, Breanna Latham, Traylen Simpson, Brakalia Smith, Kameron Simpson, Antwann Simpson Jr., Kya Simpson, Joshua Wilkes, Joshlynn Wilkes, Tamera Simpson and three great grandchildren. Juan was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather who found joy in his growing family and took pride in the legacy they built together.

Surviving in addition to his wife of over 52 years Sandra Louise Simpson. Their children and grandchildren and great grandchildren. His mother Virgina Reid, his stepfather Francis Reid. His siblings Donald (Dora)Simpson, Ronald (Sherry) Simpson, Jackie Townsend, Regina (Terrance) Hardy, Greta Reid, Timmy (Monica) Reid, Cyrene Reid, Terae Reid. Three special daughters, Brenda Davis-Lacy, Laura Stamps and Leticia Johnson. Two special sons Jeremie Lawson and Nicky Chambliss. Along with a host of nieces, nephews and cousins. His special friend Lesley Dudley.

Preceding him in death his father William Woods, Paternal grandparents Leatha (Hun) Simpson, Uncle Harry Simpson, Aunt Modest Lloyd, Aunt Gloria Foster, Cousin Cherri Tillman, cousin Mark Simpson and cousin King Harvey.

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