My Dad, Fred Simpson, was a true Renaissance Man. He accomplished so much despite his impoverished upbringing. While working as a police officer at night and attending college during the day, he allowed himself to dream of a completely different life. He was the first in his family to graduate from college. He applied and was accepted to Vanderbilt Law School, one of the one of the most prestigious law schools in the country.
Upon graduation, he moved to a small up-and-coming town in North Alabama called Huntsville. A few years later he was appointed to be the Madison County District Attorney, an office he held for 12 years. During this time, he developed a reputation as a ferocious prosecutor and excellent trial attorney. After leaving the DA’s office, he started his own law firm and specialized in representing those charged with capital murder.
Although the accolades my dad received as a trial lawyer were numerous, it is the other areas of his life that are so unique and special. He was a world-class artist and painter. It was obviously a special gift because he never had any formal training. Some of his drawings and paintings are still hanging in the Madison County Court House.
An avid reader of history, he wrote and published a book entitled The Sins of Madison County about the lynchings that occurred on our Courthouse square, and another book entitled Murder in the Heart of Dixie that details thirteen capital murder cases in Madison County where the jury unanimously recommended the death penalty. He also published a historical picture book of downtown Huntsville called Huntsville Then and Now.
He worked tirelessly with city and county leaders to revitalize downtown Huntsville and always said that one day Huntsville will be the best and biggest city in the state. Oh, how I wish he could see Huntsville now.
The best gift he gave was showing me how a father should love his children and family unconditionally, and insist that we pass our blessing onto the next generation. I miss you, Dad.