Oza Simpson, Jr., 85 of Jacksboro, formerly of the Cherry Bottom community, went to be with the Lord on Monday, August 4, 2025, at his home. He was born on August 8, 1939, in Pioneer to the late Oza, Sr., and Bertha Hill Simpson. Oza served in the US Army. He was ordained a deacon at New Hope Baptist Church in Aurora, Illinois, in 1961. When he moved back to Tennessee, he then served as deacon and Sunday School teacher at Red Ash Baptist Church for many years. Oza took several mission trips to Haiti and traveled to Israel. He enjoyed spending time with his family, who will miss him dearly.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by siblings, H.L. Simpson, Ova Simpson, Vivian Byrd, and Gladys Jeffers; son-in-law, David Schmidlin; and daughter-in-law, Susan Bean Simpson.

He is survived by wife of 68 years, Marlena Simpson; children, Julie Madison and husband James, Leah Ann Schmidlin, Kim Reynolds and husband Steve, Brian Simpson, and Keith Simpson; siblings, Buster Simpson, Mildred Moon, and Geraldine Brock; grandchildren, Jamey, Jessica, Shayne, Lauren, Joshua, Tara, Dillon, Caleb, and Felicia; great-grandchildren, Mason, Lucas, Cooper, Madison, Riley, Briann, Ella, Carley, Arley, Saylor, and Bambi; great-great-grandchildren, Olivia and Landry; several nieces, nephews and other family and friends.

The family will receive friends at the Leach Family Funeral Home and Cremation on Friday, August 8, 2025, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., with the funeral service to follow at 7:00 p.m., officiated by Rev. Mark Braden and Oza’s nephew, Daniel Clark. A eulogy will be given by his grandson, Dillon Simpson. Graveside service will be on Saturday, August 9, 2025, at 11 am at Queener Cemetery with full military honors presented by Campbell County Honor Guard. www.leachfamilyfuneralhome.com

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