December 31, 1948 — May 31, 2024
Brentwood, TN
Gregory Allen Simpson, 75, of Brentwood, TN was welcomed into the arms of Jesus on May 31, 2024 in Nashville, TN. Greg dedicated his life to serving his family, his country, his work, and The Lord. Greg was born in 1948 in Crookston, Minnesota to the late Jesse W. Simpson and the late Muriel St. John. The third of four children, Greg and his family moved to Tennessee in 1962. He graduated from Antioch High School in 1967, and in 1968 he married Jane Marilyn Matthews. Greg and Jane moved to Brentwood, where they raised their two children and made Brentwood their home for 48 years. Greg graduated from Middle Tennessee State University with BS and MS degrees. He also received a Master of Strategic Studies degree from the United States Army War College. Greg began his flying career as a Medevac Pilot in Vietnam and proudly continued his military career in the Tennessee Army National Guard and Army Reserves for almost forty years, achieving the rank of Colonel. He earned numerous commendations for his bravery and leadership including the Legion of Merit and four awards of the Distinguished Flying Cross. Greg’s civilian career included serving in the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department as an officer of the tactical unit and a pilot of its first helicopter. He began working for Thompson Machinery as a pilot in 1978 and then became the Director of Flight Operations and later on the Safety Director, retiring after 40 years. Greg attended Brentwood Baptist Church, and in service to the LORD, he performed many safety audits with JAARS at their flight operations centers around the world. Believing in the LORD’s healing, Greg was a teacher in the REBOOT Combat Recovery program. Greg is preceded in death by his father; his mother; his sister, JoAnn; and his brother, Morris. Greg will be deeply missed by his wife, Jane; his daughter, Bethany (Chris); his son Alex (Suzy); his brother, David; his grandchildren, Alexandra (Noah), Hunter, Owen, Timothy, Annabelle, Lyla, and Neely; and many dear friends and relatives.
A Celebration of Life service was held at 11 AM on Thursday, June 27, in Baskin Chapel at Brentwood Baptist Church. Visitation began at 10 AM. A committal service with military honors followed at Middle Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery at 2 PM.
