Celebration of life held for tennis legend Lenny Simpson
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — A celebration of life was held on Saturday at Port City Community Church for Lenny Simpson, a revered figure in the tennis community. Simpson, a Wilmington native, passed away earlier this month after a prolonged battle with illness. He was 75 years old.
Simpson’s legacy in tennis was profound, marked by his early achievements and dedication to nurturing young tennis players. At just 15 years old, he made history as one of the youngest competitors in the U.S. Open in 1964. Over the years, Simpson’s passion for tennis led him to establish One Love Tennis, an organization aimed at passing on his love for the game to the next generation.
In addition to his contributions to tennis, Simpson survived by his wife, sister, two daughters, and three grandchildren.
“My grandmother’s favorite spiritual was ‘May The Work I’ve Done Speak For Me.’ And we know that the work that Lendward ‘Lenny’ Simpson has done is truly speaking for him right now,” New Hanover County Commissioner Jonathan Barfield Jr. said at the ceremony.
In honor of Simpson’s memory, the family has requested that donations be made to One Love Tennis in lieu of flowers.
