Robert "Bob" Simpson

Obituary Robert "Bob" Douglas Simpson, 92, of Morehead City, died Wednesday, March 28, 2018 at his home. A memorial service will be held 11:00 AM on Tuesday, April 3, 2018 at his residence with the Rev. Patrick Whaley officiating. Robert "Bob" Simpson, was born in Havana, North Dakota to James L. Simpson and Tulla Holmes Simpson. He served his country in the United States Marine Corps as a Navigator during World War II and was later called back to duty during the Korean War. Bob had a vision of boosting the economy by highlighting fishing on the Crystal Coast when he began what later turned into the Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament. Sixty years later, his idea has turned into the largest tournament of its kind in the United States. The tournament has grown beyond what he ever imagined with a $2 million purse and international following. He was the longtime owner of the famed Sylvia II. She operated out of the Sanitary Restaurant as a charter boat before she sank during the "Great Ground Hog Day Storm of 1976." Bob bought her for the princely sum of $300 as documented in his book "When the Water Smokes." Sylvia is known as the oldest fishing boat on the Carolina Coast. Not only did he spread his expertise on fishing across ocean waters, he also extensively wrote about it in newspaper articles, particularly writing columns for the Carteret County News-Times and the News & Observer in Raleigh. In 2006, Bob was inducted into the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, North Carolinas highest civilian honor. During the 1960s, he was instrumental in building support for the creation of the Cape Lookout National Seashore and even provided the first tours to politicians in his WWII amphibious vehicle. His influence on todays Outer Banks and the Crystal Coast is absolutely undeniable On February 15, 2009 Bob married Conni on the Sylvia. He is survived by his wife, Conni Simpson of Morehead City; two brothers, William L. Simpson and wife Susan, of Beaufort, and Clel Simpson of Norfolk, Virginia; a four stepsons, Mike, David, Doug and Phil Swanson; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, his first wife Mary precedes him in death. MEMORIAL DONATIONS May be made to the Carteret County Wildlife Club. PO Box 1123, Morehead City, NC 28557 Arrangements are by Brooks Funeral Home and Crematory of Morehead City. &nbspBorn: September 18, 1925&nbspPlace of Birth: Havana, ND&nbspDeath: March 28, 2018&nbspPlace of Death: Morehead City, NC&nbspOccupation: Writer Memorial Service Tuesday April 3, 2018 , 11:00 AM at Residence Share your thoughts and memories in the guestbook. Services You can still show your support by sending flowers directly to the family, or by planting a memorial tree in the memory of Robert "Bob" Simpson