The Rev. Dr. Michael D. Simpson is the first recipient of the annual Senior Service Award, presented by the Winston-Salem Chronicle for outstanding contributions to the older adult community. He was honored March 24 in a ceremony at the Lawrence Joel Coliseum.
Simpson began his work with senior adults as a young pastor in the late 70s. He has continued that focus following his retirement in 2013 as the Senior Minister of Winston-Salem’s First Christian Church.
Following his retirement from the ministry, Simpson served on the Board of Directors of the Second Spring Arts Festival and The Shepherd’s Center where he currently chairs the Vital Living Program Committee. He most recently taught classes for older adults on literature, publishing, communication skills, spirituality, church history and water exercise. In the years immediately following his retirement, he took great pride in assisting a number of senior authors in their efforts to be published and oversaw the publication of the first three volumes of the Second Spring Literary Anthology.
A family wellness coach, Simpson holds two open “Ask the Doctor” sessions monthly at the Shepherd’s Center when seniors can without charge receive help with critical relationship problems. In recent years he has even served as a bus driver, transporting seniors on numerous educational and recreational trips. Few were surprised when he received the first Senior Service Award in recognition of his multiple contributions to the senior community.