Jeremiah Grady Simpson

Jeremiah ""Joe"" Grady Simpson, 28, died unexpectedly in a motor vehicle accident on Sunday, November 17, 2013. A Lakeland, Florida native, Jeremiah graduated with honors from George Jenkins High School. An avid Florida Gator, he attended the University of Florida to study mathematics and to indulge in Gator football. As his academic work came to a close, Jeremiah enlisted in the United States Army. Jeremiah served with the 52nd Signal Battalion, JNOC platoon, in Stuttgart, Germany for several years before returning to the United States. A short time later, Jeremiah retrained and joined the United States Army\'s 1-75 Cavalry Regiment, 2BCT, 101st Airborne Division, in Ft. Campbell, Kentucky. Jeremiah was honorably discharged from the United States Army to return Gainesville, Florida. There, Jeremiah began serving in the United States Army National Guard, bringing his electronic communications expertise to the unit. He also enrolled in the University of Florida to further his academic studies and to enjoy Gator football. As a young boy, Jeremiah tagged-along with his father, Stephen Simpson, on hunting, fishing, camping trips. Using tools from the longbow to shotgun, the Simpson men, hunted duck and deer and fished for freshwater bass. Over time, Jeremiah grew into a resourceful hunting and sports-shooting partner to his father and many other Florida sportsmen. In addition to his beloved Florida Gators, Jeremiah fervently supported the Tampa Bay Rays and the Tampa Bay Lightning. Recently, Jeremiah landed his \"dream job\" at the Tampa Bay Times Forum, working for the Tampa Bay Lightning organization. Many have known Jeremiah to be a good friend, great man and dedicated soldier. A peaceful, intelligent man, he often used his unique sense of humor to put many at ease, to build consensus and to inspire others. Jeremiah is survived by his parents, Stephen and Donna Simpson (Lakeland), his mother Tracy Waterman (Tampa), Grandfather Lonnie C. Simpson (Mulberry), Grandparents Ronald and Shirley Allen (Lakeland), a devoted extended family and friends from all parts of the world. Jeremiah\'s family and friends will celebrate his life on Saturday, November 23, 2013 at the First Baptist Church at the Mall, 1010 East Memorial Boulevard, Lakeland, Florida 33801. An informal gathering will begin at 9:30 a.m. and the celebration service will follow at 10:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, Jeremiah\'s family asks all to consider making a donation to the following: Ducks Unlimited, Inc. One Waterfowl Way Memphis, TN 38120 (http://www.ducks.org/tributes/JeremiahSimpson) 1-800-45-DUCKS. Wounded Warriors Sportsmen Fund, Inc. P.O. Box 2251, Bartow, Florida 33831 http://designcreations2011.com/woundedwarriorssportsmentfund.com Service: 11/23/2013 First Baptist Church at the Mall 1010 East Memorial Boulevard, Lakeland, Florida 33801 First Baptist Church at the Mall Visitation: 11/23/2013 First Baptist Church at the Mall