Larry Joe "LJ" Simpkins

Larry Joe “LJ” Simpkins, 78, of DeGraff, passed away at 7:53 p.m. on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at Upper Valley Medical Center in Troy, Ohio. He was born in Lima, Ohio on July 22, 1947, a son of the late Leon Roy Simpkins and Jo Anne (Jenkins) Simpkins.

Larry is survived by his significant other, Tini A. (Brown) Watkins; ex-wife, Karen Simpkins; three children, Joy (Buddy) Harvey, Jeri (Marty) Amrine, and Jim (Lori) Simpkins; two stepchildren, Tammy Goings, and Lettie (Bill) Watkins Ferguson; three grandchildren, Blake Harvey, Hayden "Spike" Harvey, and James "JT" Goings; several great grandchildren; a brother,

Pink Simpkins; and a special nephew, Justin Hatfield. In addition to his parents, Larry was preceded in death by his sister, Roxanne Lauber; and his special dog “Bitsy”.

Larry worked as a truck driver, and as a machinist for Eaton Corporation in Lincoln, Illinois where he secured six patents pertaining to electrical engineering prior to his retirement in 2001. When he was not working, Larry enjoyed all types of racing, including NASCAR, dirt track racing, and drag racing.

Per Larry’s request, a celebration of life will be held at later date. Inurnment will be in Fairview Cemetery in Quincy, Ohio at the convenience of the family.

Memorial contributions may be made, in Larry’s memory, to any animal shelter of the donor’s choice.

SANFORD FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, DEGRAFF is honored to care for Larry’s family and encourages anyone to share a fond memory or kind message with the family at www.sanfordfuneralhome.com.