Philip Edward Simpkins' Obituary
Philip left this life on April 4, 2025, at the age of 88. He was born in Washington, DC, on September 11, 1936, to Ward Simpkins and Edna (Foht) Simpkins Downey.
Philip graduated from Miami Edison High School. He attended the University of Florida at Gainesville, FL, and the University of Miami in Miami, FL
He served in the US Army, 1st Infantry Division, stationed in Germany in the early 1960's. He was a Staff Sergeant in Company C, 2nd Battalion, 28th Inf., First Infantry Division, stationed in Vietnam when he was wounded in November,1965. He was awarded the Purple Heart.
During the past twenty years Philip had been a resident of Community Living Center II of the Miami VA Medical Center where he was ably assisted by aides Marjorie Britton and Beverly McCausland. He was an avid fan of the Miami Dolphins and the Miami Heat. Among his many favorite topics of discussion were sports and world history. He will be missed.
Philip is survived by his sister Linda (Simpkins) Wilcox of Yucca Valley, CA, and cousins Barbara (Hartung) Garner of Erie, PA, and Jack Palmer of Sebring, FL, a niece Dorothy (Wilcox) & Tony Martinez, and a nephew James & Jaimie Wilcox, all of California, plus several grandnieces and grandnephews. He was predeceased by his niece Donna (Wilcox) Cutts.
Interment with military honors will be in the South Florida National Cemetery at Lake Worth, Florida.
Arrangements are handled by Van Orsdel Funeral & Cremation Services, Miami, Florida.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.
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