SYLACAUGA, Ala. – Sylacauga City Schools is mourning the loss of longtime educator and band director Buddy Simpkins, who passed away on Sunday, June 14.
Simpkins retired in 1994 after a distinguished career leading the Sylacauga High School band program. Even after retirement, he remained actively involved, continuing to support both the middle school and high school band programs for many years.
The Simpkins family holds a unique place in Sylacauga High School history. Three generations of Simpkins served as band directors from 1940 through 2016, guiding the program for a combined 76 years. During that span, more than 2,100 students participated in the band program, which emphasized both concert and marching band performance. The marching band became widely known as the Sylacauga High School Half Million Dollar Band.
Buddy Simpkins served as band director from 1967 to 1994, succeeding his father, George Lewis “Fess” Simpkins.
Current Sylacauga High School Marching Aggie band director Samuel Childs said Simpkins made a lasting impact on countless students and community members throughout his career.
“We know that Mr. Buddy Simpkins was an incredible influence on the many students and community members he encountered,” Childs said. “His service to not just the Sylacauga High School Marching Band, but also other musical endeavors, provided character development, fellowship, and a deep passion for music for all that were involved.”
In addition to his work with Sylacauga City Schools, Simpkins served for many years as director of the adult choir and the youth New World Choir at First United Methodist Church in Sylacauga. He was also a charter member of the Heritage Hall Jazz Band, which was established 24 years ago.
Nichols-Lawson Middle School band director Emily Petersen said she remembers Simpkins as someone who always made others feel valued.
“I was so saddened to hear of Buddy Simpkins’ passing,” Petersen said. “I had the chance to play in the Heritage Hall Jazz Band with him and I remember during our jazz practices he would always check in on everyone, making sure everyone felt seen and important.”
Childs said Simpkins consistently focused on others rather than his own accomplishments.
“I am saddened about the loss of Buddy Simpkins,” said Childs. “I have been blessed to know Buddy for ten years and every conversation I had with him was never about himself but how proud he continues to be of the Sylacauga Band – specifically the students, staff and everyone involved in the program. Buddy didn’t talk and boast about the great bands he directed but he would recall and share with great enthusiasm the incredible people that he taught. Buddy was an incredible person and his story will continue to march on through the hearts and memories of all his family, friends and students Sylacauga City Schools said it will continue to honor the Simpkins family’s longstanding commitment to music and the arts, particularly through the Sylacauga High School Marching Band.”
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the Simpkins family as they mourn the loss of an extraordinary individual,” Superintendent Dr. Michele Eller said. “We are grateful for the countless lives Buddy Simpkins touched during his years of service to Sylacauga City Schools.”
Simpkins is survived by his wife, Fay Simpkins; son David Simpkins (Catie); grandsons William Simpkins (Scotland) and Hayden Simpkins (Katie); great-grandsons Max and Malachi; and nieces Saralyn Crawford Mitchell and Jan Crawford Groenke.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 17, at Curtis and Son North Chapel. Funeral services are scheduled for Thursday, June 18, at Curtis and Son North Chapel.
