Judge Lloyd "Hot Dog" Simpkins, age 94, died at his home on the river in Mount Vernon on Sunday. Born in Mount Vernon, he was the son of the late Thomas Wesley Simpkins and Estelle Phoebus Simpkins.
"Hot Dog" graduated from Washington High School in 1939. A lifelong resident of Somerset County, he attended the University of Maryland School of Agriculture. He withdrew prior to the completion of his degree in 1941 when, after spending the night on the courthouse steps, he became the first Somerset County resident to enlist in the U. S. Military after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. He served as a Naval Aviator in the Pacific Theatre, stationed at Guadalcanal from 1941-1946.
After completing his service, he completed his agriculture degree and began work in his father's oyster house in Mount Vernon, Maryland. He later graduated from the University of Maryland School of Law. Elected to the Maryland House of Delegates, he served as the youngest chairman of the house Judiciary Committee in Maryland history. He served as Secretary of State for Governor J. Millard Tawes from 1961-1967.
He founded the law firm Simpkins and Simpkins in Princess Anne, Maryland which he ran with his late brother, Tom Simpkins. He left the firm in 1971 to become the first District Court judge for Somerset County, Maryland. He became a Circuit Court judge for Somerset County, Maryland in 1975 following the retirement of judge Duer. He retired from the bench in 1990, however he continued to sit as a retired judge until 2010, making him the oldest sitting judge in the history of the Maryland Judiciary.
A lifelong sailor, he enjoyed spending time on his skipjack, the "Good Intent." He also took great pride in his extensive garden. He was an avid fan of the Baltimore Orioles and of all University of Maryland athletic teams. He was involved in many local civic organizations and was a charter member of the Princess Anne Lion's club. One of his greatest joys was spending time with his family and friends, and telling stories at Peaky's.
Hot Dog is preceded in death by his wife, Betty Wilson Simpkins, his sisters, Ethel Simpkins Boyd and India Simpkins Wilson, his brothers, Douglas Simpkins, Frederick "Snap" Simpkins, and Tom Simpkins, and his nieces, Barbara Ann Wyatt, Connie Pinkston, Pat Trader, and Shirley Taylor.
He is survived by his daughter, Betsy Simpkins Schrock and her husband Randy Schrock, his granddaughter Brittany Schrock Price, her husband Andy Price, and her daughter Caroline Lloyd Price, and her son Grayson Alan Price, his granddaughter Kristen Schrock Boston, her husband Joshua Boston, and her daughter Alexandra Lloyd Boston. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews and a special thanks to his caregivers, Ricky Bloodsworth, Joanie Bloodsworth, Mary Champion, Tylisa Gardner, and Christie LesCallett.
A funeral service will be held Thursday, August 28, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. at the Hinman Funeral Home in Princess Anne, Maryland, where friends may call Thursday from 11:00 to 2:00 p.m. Interment will follow the service in Asbury United Methodist Church Cemetery, in Mount Vernon. The Rev. Olivia Costango will officiate.
In Lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Asbury United Methodist Church, c/o Linda Benton at 26625 Mount Vernon Road, Princess Anne, MD. 21853.