Matthew Stephen Simpson

It is with our deepest sorrow that we announce the passing of Matthew Stephen Simpson on July 14, 2022 from injuries sustained from a motorist striking his bicycle on July 10th, 2022. Matt and his family had been cycling home from the Museum of Life and Sciences in Durham, a trip they often made and enjoyed.

Matt is survived by his loving wife Allison Barnett Simpson and their children Wallace Lee Simpson (age 4) and Matilda Barnett Simpson (age 22 months).  Matt and Allison have long been devoted to one another; becoming partners in 2006 and marrying in 2014. He is also survived by his parents Steve and Judy Simpson of Easley, SC.  Matt was a loving husband, father, and son, entirely dedicated to his family with sweet daily phone calls to his parents and silly nightly routines with his children.  

Originally from Easley, SC, Matt graduated from Wren High School in 2000 as Senior Class Valedictorian.  Next he graduated Summa Cum Laude from Clemson University in 2004 with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering. Matt received a Masters Degree and a PhD from the University of Maryland in 2011.  While pursuing his advanced degrees, he worked at the National Institute of Health where he received several accolades.  Matt once told his father he wanted to be valued for what he knows rather than what he could do.  Matt achieved this goal, like so many others, and was currently employed as a Senior Staff Engineer at Qualcomm in Raleigh, NC. In this position Matt worked closely with dear friends, and much like anything he did, he was ahead of the curve in terms of achievement.   

Matt was an incredibly curious, kind, gentle, funny, and unique person.  He had a brilliant and beautiful mind and had many diverse interests and talents.  He took deep dives into anything that caught his interest.  He could solve any problem he was given and had a persistence that people knew and admired.  He was very creative, not only could he draw and design but could also play the piano, trumpet, guitar, and was well versed in music theory.  He enjoyed exploring, riding bicycles, hiking, good food, and travel.  He passed on his curiosity to his children and lovingly supported any and all of their varied interests.  He enjoyed spending time together with his family above anything else, frequently going to the local parks, nature trails, museums, and many other outdoor activities.

The family offers special thanks to friends Riah Patterson and Joseph Wehby for their steadfast support during this difficult time, as well as Matt’s sister in law, Adrienne Barnett, friends Bridget Bell and Patrick Valle, the children’s daycare First Environments Early Learning Center, and the assistance provided by numerous other family, friends and neighbors. 

Also special thanks to the doctors, nurses, and caregivers at Duke University Hospital who worked so tirelessly while attempting to save his life. He will be deeply missed by so many.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Cookery in Durham, NC on July 23rd at 4pm, and a Memorial Service will be held at Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church in Easley, SC on July 30th at 1pm.  

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the following: Clemson University Foundation. Please direct your gift to the Dr. Matthew S. Simpson Memorial Holding Account, intended to support scholarship at Clemson University in memory of Matt. Gifts may be made online at iamatiger.clemson.edu/giving, by phone at (864) 656-5896 or by mail.  In addition, donations can be made to Matt’s children’s school First Environments Parents Organization by mailing donations to 109 TW Alexander Dr MD-FE 105 Durham, NC 27711, or , donations can be made online at bikedurham.org/give.