Dr. Leon Simpson, President Clear Creek Baptist Bible College

A celebration of the New Year begins with a positive reflection in my life of memories and impacts that must be shared. Dr. Leon Simpson entered eternal life on October 27, 2009. His wife Marilyn of 45 years, and his children Douglas, Timothy and Noelle certainly had the benefit of complete access and twenty-four hour a day opportunity to learn from a true visionary who step into leadership roles and made every situation better because of his involvement.
In the mountains of Southeastern Kentucky we understand pride in your heritage and we respect a rich history of pioneering spirit. Dr. Simpson came from humble beginnings in Oklahoma and he had great love for the Panhandle of Texas. He was a master at using his own experiences to connect with individuals and their backgrounds, be they varied and different. My introduction to Dr. Leon Simpson was when he became the 3rd President of Clear Creek Baptist Bible College. Clear Creek at the time was not an accredited college, the buildings and property had served well, but were in need up updating. Dr. Simpson brought to CCBBC a great vision of forward thinking and progressive leadership that has continued because he dared to push forward with a dream to make ministers the best prepared with the best resources. Updating sewer systems, replacing the campus phone systems, upgrading the cabins, building the family life center and seeing the college to accreditation are no small steps. These directions from his leadership changed the campus life, increased enrollment and brought change and impact to thousands of churches across America and even the world because he led.
Dr. Simpson enhanced the staff and leadership at Clear Creek through his service as President. Dr. H. Leo Eddleman, and Dr. H.C. Chiles were just two professors that came to serve at his invitation. Dr. Simpson believed there was no replacement for academic ministry preparation, and he believed the students that came to Clear Creek deserved the best and he recruited from his seminary connections to meet that goal. That leadership and foundation laid then has brought unprecedented benefit to today’s student while they may only know the name of Leon Simpson if that. This fact alone is a testament of the nature of Dr. Simpson. He never did anything with the vision of a personal legacy in mind, only the vision of what God laid before him and all to be done for the glory of God. I am humbled to even type such words thinking of Dr. Simpson, and those that also knew him know this was his character.
Clear Creek Baptist Bible College is the institution it is today because of the foundation laid in the vision of Dr. L.C. Kelly when he was Pastor of the First Baptist Church Pineville, Ky. Dr. D.M. Aldridge followed with his vision of building upon the dream to education and prepare individuals for ministry and service. Dr. Leon Simpson brought his expertise and vision which laid the next foundation to be built upon. Dr. Bill Whitaker followed in the steps of vision travel and today, Dr. Donnie Fox lays a foundation that will also be followed in due time.
Thanking God for faithful men is appropriate, and honoring Dr. Leon Simpson for his impact is a must for me and proper for all who have experienced the blessing of his impact. Laying a foundation that another can build upon is not easy, but is truly Biblical. Dr. Leon Simpson did that at every stage in his life and CCBBC was s solid foundation.

Until then