Fred Johnson Simpkins
Fred Johnson Simpkins III, 70, of Waynesboro, known as Ted to his close friends and family, and GaGa Ted to his grandchildren, passed away peacefully at his home on October 21st, 2026. He was born January 14th, 1956, in Bluefield, West Virginia and devoted his life to education, family, and the people he cared about.
Fred graduated from Rocky Gap High School in 1974. He continued his education at Wytheville, Virginia, where he earned an associate degree in education. In 1978, he received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Middle School Education from Emory & Henry University, followed by a master’s degree in School Administration and Curriculum Development from the University of Virginia in 1981.
Fred dedicated 34 years to teaching in the Virginia school system, retiring in 2018. He took great pride in education and especially enjoyed teaching middle school students. His commitment to education reflected his belief in the importance of helping young people learn, grow, and reach their full potential.
Outside the classroom, Fred was an avid University of Virginia athletics supporter. He and his life partner, Bill, enjoyed attending UVA basketball and football games together, sharing their enthusiasm for the Cavaliers and making lasting memories along the way. Fred was also a member of St. Mark’s United Methodist Church in Waynesboro, Virginia.
Fred was preceded in death by his father, Fred Johnson Simpkins Jr., who passed away on April 26, 1999; his mother, Marion Rhea Childress Sarver, who passed away on January 2, 2018; and his stepfather, Riley E. Sarver.
He is survived by his life partner, William J. Mardis Sr. of Waynesboro, Virginia; his daughter, Courtney Davide Simpkins of Fishersville, Virginia; his son, Christian James David Simpkins, and daughter-in-law, Lindsey, of Waynesboro, Virginia; his son, Patrick Devin Simpkins, and daughter-in-law, Natasha, of Tazewell, Virginia; and his stepson, William J. Mardis Jr., and daughter-in-law, Christy, of Morgantown, West Virginia.
He is also survived by his grandsons, Bryson James Carter Simpkins and Braxton Michael Cole Simpkins, both of Waynesboro, Virginia; his granddaughters, Sophia Grace Simpkins and Evelyn Reece Simpkins, both of Tazewell, Virginia; his stepbrother, Garnett K. Sarver of Amherst, Virginia; his stepsister, Karen S. Whitford of New Bern, North Carolina; and special friends Amy Barnes of Waynesboro, Virginia, and Kristen and Allen Daughtrey of Staunton, Virginia.
The family extends its sincere gratitude to Dr. Campbell and staff of UVA Augusta Dialysis, Hospice House of the Shenandoah, and the doctors and staff at Augusta Health for their care and support.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Kidney Fund.
Keeping with the wishes of Fred, there will be no visitation or memorial services.
Fred will be remembered for his dedication to education, his love of UVA athletics, and the relationships he built throughout his life. His legacy lives on through his family, the students he taught, and all those whose lives he touched.
