Name: Walter Ray Simpson Date: January 1st, 1944 - March 6th, 2010 Obituary: Walter Ray Simpson, 66, of Newton, died Saturday, March 6, 2010 at his residence. Born January 1, 1944 in Harlan County, KY, he was a son of the late Otis Simpson and Allie Asher Simpson. Mr. Simpson worked at Hickory Chair for 25 years, retiring in 2008. He enjoyed fishing, working with Boy Scout Pack 903 in Newton, and spending time with his grandchildren. Survivors include his wife of 44 years, Marsha Pate Simpson; daughter, Sherry Simpson Rich Pendell and husband, Albert of Newton; sister, Geraldine Noe of Harlan, KY; grandchildren, Lillian Rich, Michael Rich, Samuel Rich, Jonas Pendell, and Allison Rae Pendell; and numerous extended family members. A service of remembrance will be held 4:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 9, 2010 in the chapel of Drum Funeral Home in Conover with Rev. Jim Luck and Rev. Fred Thompson officiating. Burial will follow at Southside Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 2:30 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. prior to the service at the funeral home. Those who wish may send memorials to Palliative CareCenter & Hospice of Catawba Valley, 3975 Robinson Road, Newton, NC 28658. The family wants to thank their extended family and friends for their prayers, calls, visits, and cards. The Simpson family has entrusted funeral arrangements to Drum Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Conover, NC. Memorials: Palliative CareCenter & Hospice of Catawba Valley, 3975 Robinson Road, Newton, NC 28658 Visitations: 2:30PM to 3:45PM on Tuesday, March 9th, 2010 at Chapel of Drum Funeral Home in Conover (map/driving directions) Services: 4:00PM at Chapel of Drum Funeral Home in Conover on Tuesday, March 9th, 2010 (map/driving directions) Cemetery: Southside Cemetery Newton, NC 28658 (map/driving directions)