Paul Lewis Simpson, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away on March 20,

2026, in Temecula, California, after a short battle with pancreatic cancer.

Born on October 17, 1949, in Portland, Oregon, Paul lived a life defined by service, leadership, and

unwavering dedication to both his country and his family. He was a member of the Boy Scouts of

America, attaining the rank of Eagle Scout before graduating high school. He was a proud graduate of

the United States Naval Academy, Class of 1971, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Marine

Science and was a member of the 33rd Company. He later earned a Master’s degree in Systems

Management from USC.

Following his graduation, Paul joined the Amphibious Navy and served as Tactical Action Officer and

Fleet Officer of the Deck aboard the USS Jouett (CG-29), USS Ogden (LPD-5), and USS Henderson

(DD-785). Aboard the USS Jouett, he served as Combat Information Center (CIC) Officer, and aboard

the USS Ogden, he served as both CIC Officer and ship’s Weapons Officer. He also served for two

years as Operations Officer with Coastal River Squadron One, where he supported Navy SEAL

operations.

During his military service, Paul was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service

Medal, and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, as well as the Navy “E” Ribbon, and earned

recognition as a marksman with both rifle and pistol.

After nine years of active duty, Paul continued his service in the United States Navy Reserve, working

in a variety of Naval intelligence roles with the Fleet Intelligence Unit in San Diego. His assignments

included positions with Commander, Naval Surface Forces Pacific staff; Naval Ocean Systems Center

(NOSC) as an intelligence analyst; and Fleet Intelligence Training Center, Pacific (FITCPAC). He

served as Commanding Officer of the NOSC reserve unit from 1988 to 1990 and as Commanding

Officer of the FITCPAC reserve unit from 1990 until his retirement in 1992, achieving the rank of

Commander.

Paul’s professional career carried his expertise into engineering and defense systems, where he

worked with Honeywell Display Systems and Hughes Aircraft Company on advanced naval

technologies. He spent a decade contributing to the Design Guidance Notebooks for the Advanced

Combat Direction System (ACDS), and later worked with Raytheon and Novonics on shipboard training

and communications systems supporting the modern fleet, including the Joint Tactical Radio System

(JTRS) and the Total Ship Training System (TSTS). He was widely respected for his technical

knowledge, leadership, and commitment to excellence.

In 1974, Paul met the love of his life, Ruth Louise Daugherty, and they were married on August 3, 1974,

sharing over 50 years of love and partnership. She preceded him in death in 2025.

Paul was a devoted father to Brian and Matt, and a cherished father-in-law to Peris and Lindsey. He

was a proud and loving grandfather to Rory (23), Abigail (20), Jake (15), and Finnley (13), who brought

him immense joy.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Paul lived a full and generous life. He was an avid fly

fisherman, enjoyed traveling, and had a deep love for music, spending his final year relearning the

guitar. He found great fulfillment in wood turning, generously sharing his time and talent with Turn

Around for Veterans (TAV). From 2010 until shortly before his passing, he taught lathe and

woodworking to wounded warriors and served as Chairman of the organization from October 2020 to

November 2023.

Those who knew Paul will remember him for his integrity, steady leadership, and deep sense of

responsibility. He led by example, valued hard work, and took great pride in supporting others.

His life was a testament to service, honor, and love. His legacy will live on through his family and all

who had the privilege of knowing him.

Services will be held at Miramar National Cemetery on May 1, 2026, at 9:00 a.m., with a car line-up

beginning at 8:45 a.m. A reception will follow at an off-site location; details will be provided upon

request. For further information regarding the service and reception, or to inquire about sending flowers

or offering condolences, please contact Brian Simpson at briansimpson2001@yahoo.com.

Fair winds and following seas.

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