Mr. Matthew Ward Simpkins

Matthew Ward Simpkins, age 40, of Panama City Beach, Florida passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, April 18, 2015. Matt was born on January 14, 1975 in Jacksonville, Florida to parents Sidney and Linda Simpkins. Matt’s first love was music. He studied violin from age 8 until age 11 at which time he began studying classical guitar. His natural talent and dedication to mastering this instrument earned him many awards, including first place in the Georgia Music Teachers Association competition in 1991 and 1992. Matt graduated from North Springs High School in Sandy Springs, Georgia in 1993. He attended Florida State University continuing to win competitions while earning his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Classical Guitar Performance. Matt also attended the University of Florida, where he received a Master’s of Business Management degree. While Matt’s love of technology led to a lifelong career in the cellular telecommunications field, he continued mastery and performance of classical guitar. Matt was an avid sports fan. He followed all of the Florida State University sports programs, but especially football. He rarely missed watching or attending an FSU football game. He made sure that his children learned how to do “the chop” at a very young age. He also was an enthusiastic supporter of his hometown teams, the Braves, Hawks, and Falcons. Matt’s children brought him the most joy in his life. He was a loving, playful, and gentle father. He loved and cherished them and felt their love in return. Matt loved the Lord and enjoyed attending Lighthouse Church in Panama City Beach, Fl. Matt was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Douglas and Lucy Simpkins, maternal grandparents, Doyle and Iness Ward, uncle, Lt. Colonel (USAF) Darrell E. Johnson, aunt, Martha Nibert, and cousin, Donald Nibert. He is survived by his parents, Sidney and Linda Simpkins of Sandy Springs, GA, his wife, Naomi Simpkins of Pensacola, FL, daughters, Kaylee and Layla Simpkins, stepson, Terry Brooks, mother and father-in-law, Linda and Sonny Haskins of Rockledge, FL , sister and brother-in-law, Mandy and Devin Borland of Roswell, GA, niece and nephews, Patrick, Katelyn, and William Borland and many beloved aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends, and his sweet dog, Sadie. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, in honor of several special friends and family who were affected by these diseases. www.lls.org

Mr. Matthew Ward Simpkins

January 14, 1975 - April 18, 2015