Corbin Times Tribune - Dr. Leon Simpson, CCBBC

On October 27, 2009, Dr. Leon Simpson finished his earthly course of life while serving as pastor of the Firelands Church in the Florence Township in Ohio. Dr. Simpson was in his 14th year as pastor at the time of his death. A headline announcing this happening could be easily missed without a reminder of that connection and his influence here in Southeastern Kentucky.
Dr. Simpson’s family roots were in Oklahoma and the Panhandle of Texas but his leadership touched the lives of students, ministers and churches throughout Kentucky and especially us here in Southeastern Ky. Dr. Simpson began his first mountain connection when he was a professor at Cumberland College in Williamsburg. Building the Religious Department there as a vital instrument of service to the students of the institution is certainly note worthy and an impact that continues to make a difference. His influence and example of leadership and vision would also be experienced by us as he served as the 3rd President of Clear Creek Baptist Bible College in Pineville, Ky. There are few Baptist Churches in the Tri-County Area that have not had members who became students, graduated from Clear Creek, or congregations that were served by students trained and educated there. Many pastor’s in the area knew Dr Simpson and his love for education and for preparing individuals to serve God in their calling.
To look at an individuals life as a resource may seem improper and not respectful, but I in no way want to imply that toward Dr. Simpson. What I want to convey is that he used his life and experiences as a resource and that brought much benefit to me personally and to countless thousands of ministers serving churches and on the mission field. The resources Dr. Simpson tapped into where not just his experiences at Cumberland College and Clear Creek, but his experiences while serving as Assistant Pastor to Dr. W.A. Criswell at First Baptist Dallas were great resources that enhanced Dr. Simpson’s leadership while at Clear Creek. His contact with Theologians and PH.D. Scholars added to the development of our area and the growth of our churches and discipleship. It was after all his resources that so developed our own causing me to remember with reverence the free sharing and giving he provided.
Dr. Simpson after completing his tenure as President at Clear Creek Baptist Bible College went on to serve as Editor at Lifeway Christian Resources in Nashville, TN. His writing, skill in Hebrew and Greek has touched the lives of millions who learned from reading the materials he directed as Editor at Lifeway.
When I think of benefits I often think of that which we see and know immediately. The real surprise of benefits is the discovery of memory and learning that we seem to have forget until the every present need arrives and refreshes itself with answers. Celebrating the New Year is a perfect time to remember to celebrate the lives of impact that may have passed now into history, but whose impact will never be forgotten because they choose to give of themselves to the benefit of others, willingly.

Until then