1934 - 2023

Married: Peggy Thorne Simpson

Don Simpson was born in Watertown, TN on December 11, 1934, to parents Roy and Irene (Davis) Simpson. The Simpson Family owned and operated a Grade-A Dairy Farm in Watertown. Don graduated from Watertown High School in 1954. Then, in 1958, he completed work at Middle Tennessee State University with a degree in Social Science and Economics. After a brief teaching career in Wilson County, Don was selected by Governor Frank G. Clement to serve with the State of Tennessee as a Regional Director of Industrial Development. It was during this period that Don worked toward and received a Doctor of Jurisprudence from the YMCA Law School by attending night classes. In 1965, Don was appointed to fill the unexpired term of Wilson County Court Clerk, Curry Dodson, following the Clerk’s unexpected death. Don was re-elected to the position where he served for the next nine years. This marked the beginning of his life in politics with service and commitment to the community. In 1974, Don was elected County Judge where he would serve for the next 20 years. Over time, the title and responsibilities of the job would change, but the lessons of hard work, teamwork and commitment learned on the farm always served as Don’s "North Star". All the years Don was involved in education, industrial development, and the administration of county government, he never forgot the farm – land, cattle, and horses. When Don and Peggy married in 1965 and were living in Lebanon, they began planning their future which included a farm of their own. When Mr. Roy’s dairy was dispersed, the farm operation changed to beef cattle, basically Hereford cattle. Don bought some acreage that joined Mr. Roy’s farm and built a barn. He and Peggy bought a cow a piece-- thus a beginning a partnership and a herd – a herd of Hereford!!! Later in the early 70’s they built a house on the farm, making Watertown their home. Don has enlisted and received farm help and support from his nephew, George Simpson, his neighbors, and countless Ag and FFA students at Watertown High School. Don was a former member of the Lebanon Jaycees and the Lebanon Sportsman Club. He was president of the Lebanon Lion’s Club (1973-74) and the Lebanon Wilson County Chamber of Commerce (1973). He was also a member of the Wilson County Livestock Association, the Wilson County Horseman’s Association, and Wilson County Promotions where he served as Chairman of the Mule Show for many years. Additionally, he served 10 years on the Wilson County Election Commission.