Benjamin Thomas (Tom) Simpson, 69 of Harlan passed away Thursday September 20, 2012 at the Harlan ARH while surrounded by his family.

Tom was a lifelong resident of Harlan Co., after graduating from Harlan High School; he attended Southeast Community College and the University of Kentucky. Tom served 2 years in the United States Army. After returning home Tom worked initially at the Harlan National Bank. Through the years he was involved in the coal industry, having been a partner in the Ridge Top Coal Co. and the Simpson-Whitfield Coal Co. He was employed by Bow Valley Coal Resources, Great Western/New Horizons Coal Co., Crockett Colleriers, and Nally and Hamilton; after leaving the coal industry he served as Manager of Harlan Farmers Supply Co. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Harlan.

He was preceded in death by his parents Raymond and Hazel Simpson.

Surviving is his wife of 43 years, Mary Rose Herrell Simpson; children, Ben (Janice) Simpson of Georgetown, Stacy (Melanie) Simpson of Lexington, and Sgt. Jeremy Simpson of Fayetteville, NC; 1 brother, Ken (Barbara) Simpson of Middlesboro; grandchildren, Payton Brown, Brayden, Katherine (Kate), Brantley, Jasmine Simpson, and Kendall Bickett; brother-in-law, Jesse (Sharon) Herrell; sister-in-law, Betty (Tony) Cox all of Sevier Co., TN; special mother-in-law, Mabel (J.T.) Herrell of Harlan; he leaves several nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends to mourn his passing.

Visitation will be Friday September 21, 2012 from 5 until 7:00 pm at the Anderson-Laws & Jones Funeral Home.

Funeral services will follow at 7:00 pm in the chapel of Anderson-Laws & Jones Funeral Home with Rev. Brandon Pugh officiating.

Graveside services will be Saturday September 22, 2012 at 12:00 pm at the Resthaven Cemetery chapel.

Pallbearers will be Shelb Wilson, Claude Wilson, Danny Howard, Ronnie Bingham, Mike Coldiron, and Carl Moody.

In lieu of flowers the family request memorials to the Harlan Baptist Church (Kitchen Fund) PO Box 883, Harlan, KY or to the First Presbyterian Church of Harlan, 306 E. Clover St. Harlan, KY 40831.

Condolences may be left at www.harlanobits.net.

Anderson-Laws & Jones Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Simpson family.