George Simpson, Jr., 86, departed this life on August 14, 2015 at MidState Medical Center in Meriden. George was born in Meriden on January 20, 1929, the only son of the late George and Edna (Crookes) Simpson. He was a lifelong resident of Wallingford and graduate of Wallingford schools. George is survived by his daughters Kathy Simpson and Sandy Kleisner, grandchildren Elizabeth and Alexander Kleisner, and his former spouse, Beverly Simpson. He was predeceased by his son, George (Jay) Simpson III. George was a four-year student at the University of Connecticut majoring in agriculture. He was the executive secretary of the Connecticut Farm Bureau for over 20 years and represented the interests of farmers as a lobbyist in the state legislature. He was also active with the Eastern States Exposition, managing the Connecticut Building for many years. George later established a show horse business in Wallingford, converting the family's Skylinvue Farm from a dairy operation to a training and riding stable. He and his customers traveled the horse show circuit throughout New England and into Kentucky, winning many trophies and ribbons, particularly in five-gaited classes. George had a lifelong love of the sea. He was a skilled sailor. He made many annual trips to the British Virgin Islands, chartering a sailboat and touring the islands with family or friends. He also owned a sailboat which he refurbished and moored in Noank, Conn., and frequently sailed along the Rhode Island coastline and out to Block Island. George was a lover of music, played piano and organ, and especially enjoyed Dixieland Jazz - and dancing to it in his more nimble days. He was a kind, good-hearted and fun-loving man, and will be greatly missed by those who love him. Friends may call on Saturday, August 22 from 10 a.m.-noon at the B.C. Bailey Funeral Home, 273 South Elm St., Wallingford. A celebration of George's life will immediately follow at noon. The B.C. Bailey Funeral Home of Wallingford has been entrusted with the arrangements. Donations in his honor may be made to the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization through B.C. Bailey Funeral Home.