Augustus "Red" Simpson

On Wednesday January 15, 2020, Augustus Simpson also known as Red, Mr. Gus or just Gus transitioned into the arms of his God and lovely angel JoAnne.

Born August 8, 1942, Red was number 12 of 15 children born to Pearl Harris Simpson and Moe Simpson. He graduated from Bell Street High School in Clinton, South Carolina. After graduating from high school, Red moved to Baltimore to live with his sister Edna. On June 20, 1964 he married JoAnne his song bird, from this union two smart pretty girls were born, Antoinette Regina (Poochie) and Dr. Angelique Donita.   

Gus was a very engaged father, taking the girls to the library to encourage the importance of reading, attending Poochie's performing arts activities and Angeligue's athletic activities. Gus was the surrogate father to many, mentoring any young person he met. He always emphasized the importance of education and a good work ethic.  

Gus modeled this idea as he attended and graduated from Baltimore City Community College with a Degree in Respiratory Therapy. With his degree in Respiratory Therapy Gus began his career at Bon Secours Hospital where he worked for over 40 years. Everyone knew Mr. Gus because of his knowledge, distinctive walk and kind demeanor. As the Chief of Respiratory Mr. Gus trained hundreds of Respiratory Therapists in Baltimore City. There was never a time during his illness that someone did not recognize Mr. Gus in the various hospitals in Baltimore.  

Gus was also the owner of Maryland Respiratory Care Services, a small oxygen company that provided oxygen to many families in West Baltimore. Although he was the owner, it was not uncommon for Gus to do home visits to check on patients to see how they were doing. He provided quality customer service to his clients.

Gus was a renaissance man; he was the original Uber, driving individuals here, there and everywhere. Additionally, he loved sports; he played baseball (first base) with various teams in Baltimore. He was also an avid reader of all subject matters it was rare to see him without a newspaper or a book. Gus believed in civil rights and equality for all. He listened to talk radio daily, watched national and local news and religious broadcasts; he always had an opinion about everything.

In December 2003, Baby Ania Davette joined the family. Pop Pop and Baby Ania had a special bond. Pop Pop would do anything to make Ania happy. Their times together included discussing the importance of education, the importance of supporting the Black Community and listening to talk radio and "Old School Jams" such as Anita Baker and Whitney Huston. There were times after church Pop Pop and Mom Mom would go to McDonalds to get a medium fry and a large sweet tea and then get ice cream from Baskin Robbins. They had special times enjoying each other's company.

When you think about Gus think about the following; his inquisitive nature, uncommon wit, his affinity for sports, his love for family and his belief in God.

Augustus was an active member of Faith Baptist Church and is survived by his daughters, Antoinette (Poochie), and Dr. Angelique; granddaughter, Ania Davette; sons-in-law, David and Kolyan; siblings, Sam and Bea; and a host of other family members and friends. 

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