Sid Simpson Memorial Fund

Dr. Sid Simpson

May 8, 1927 – December 21, 2024

We hope you will consider donating in honor of Sid Simpson. All donations will be split between NWA Ballet Theatre and The Yvonne Richardson Memorial Charity, both of which are non-profit 501(c)3 organizations.

Sid was always supportive of his children’s endeavors. When his daughter, Margie Bordovsky, founded the professional ballet company in 2011, he supported her efforts to bring something special to the community that would also be a place for dancers to have a workplace in a safe and respectful environment. Dr. Simpson has always given so much to his community, and by donating to NWA Ballet Theatre, you will help provide shoes, aid in production costs, and allow outreach work that includes education and performances to area schools and organizations. The Yvonne Richardson Memorial Charity Foundation was established by Nolan Richardson, Sid’s dear friend, to improve the lives of families in our community.

About Dr. Simpson,

Dr. Sidney Herman Simpson, 97, of Springdale, AR, passed away at home surrounded by his family on Saturday, December 21, 2024. He was born on May 8, 1927, in Pine Bluff, AR, to parents Etta (Harper) and Thomas M. Simpson. He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings, and his beloved wife of 69 years, Hattie (Culpepper) Simpson.

Growing up in Dumas, AR, Sid played sports, served on the Student Council, and was Senior Class President in 1945. During WWII, he volunteered to serve his country and was assigned to the U.S. Coast Guard. After the war, Sid attended Ark. State Teacher’s College (now Univ. of Central Ark.) and received his B.S.E. degree. His professional career saw him serve as Head Basketball Coach at Watson Chapel High School in Pine Bluff, AR (1948-55) and serving as Basketball Coach at Denison High School, Denison, TX, before beginning his college coaching career as Asst. Coach for both Basketball and Football teams and Dean of Men at McMurry College, Abilene, TX. When Grayson County College (Sherman, TX) was being built in 1964, Sid was recruited to establish the athletic department and become their first Head Basketball Coach and Athletic Director. In 1970, he moved his family to Denton, TX and served as a dorm director while pursuing his Doctorate degree at North Texas State University (now UNT). After completion of his Ph.D., Dr. Simpson was hired as the first Head Basketball Coach and Athletic Director for Western Texas College in Snyder, TX. The WTC athletic program was very successful and won championships in both basketball and golf. One of his most extraordinary hires as Athletic Director was a high school basketball coach from El Paso, Nolan Richardson. Six years later, he and his wife, Hattie, returned to Arkansas to care for her aging parents. His first job upon his return was as the Arkansas Intercollegiate Conference Commissioner. He then served as Athletic Director at The University of Central Arkansas for two years before taking a job as Athletic and Activities Director for Pine Bluff High School. During this time, Dr. Simpson assembled coaching staff at P.B.H.S. which garnered 39 conference and state championships as well as being Co-Founder and consultant for establishing the King Cotton Basketball Tournament that brought our nation’s best high school teams to play in Pine Bluff, AR.

Throughout his career, he always said that he is so proud to have given some great high school coaches their first college coaching jobs. This would include Ron Marvel from UCA and Nolan Richardson of The University of Arkansas (who has also been inducted into the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame) as well as Billy Bock who was inducted into the Arkansas Baseball Hall of Fame. Simpson is also the first recipient of The Hayes and Kaaren Biggs Humanitarian Award (2013) nominated by Nolan Richardson. Dr. Simpson was inducted into the Arkansas Activities Association Athletic Directors Hall of Fame in 2021

and the Grayson College Athletics Hall of Fame in 2021. Sid was an incredibly humble man, but he felt deeply honored by these awards.

With all his professional accomplishments, he was first and foremost a devoted family man. He had a beautiful voice that performed at church and college events but also echoed in every family car trip as we sang songs together rather than play the radio. We will miss gathering around to hear him sing O Holy Night every Christmas Eve. He was an avid vegetable gardener and continued his tomato patch through November 2024. Sid stood up for those who were treated unfairly, took chances on people that others passed over, saw potential in everyone, and served God every chance he got. His loving devotion to his family and his faith is the most important legacy he leaves. Sid was blissfully married to the love of his life, Hattie, and was the most amazing father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He had a great sense of humor which has left us with many funny stories and pranks he pulled throughout his life. His presence on this earth will be greatly missed.

Dr. Simpson is survived by his daughter, Margie Bordovsky and her husband David of Springdale, AR with whom he resided; his son, Mike Simpson and his wife Sara of Dripping Springs, TX; his four grandchildren, Mariah Bordovsky, Bryna Bess Burkemper, Callie Simpson Arnold, and Talmadge Simpson, and six great-grandchildren.