Leonard Warren Simpkins Jr. was a real estate broker and owner of One Stop Realty.
Simpkins died Oct. 7, 2012. He was 84.
He was born Sept. 30, 1928 to the late Leonard Warren Simpkins Sr. and Marion Saunders Simpkins. He was educated in the Philadelphia public school system and also attended Wharton Business School at the University of Pennsylvania.
He married Lucille Aunding on Nov. 22, 1965 and the couple had two children.
As a young adult he was employed at Valley Forge Hospital and later at the U.S. Frankford Arsenal. In 1988, he retired from the Frankford Arsenal as the equal employment opportunity officer to pursue other interests.
Prior to obtaining his broker’s license, Simpkins gained real estate experience while working at Walter Bantom Realty, John Hawkins Realty and Warner Whiting Realty. He opened the doors of One Stop Realty in 1989 and was able to build a successful and thriving business through the years.
“He was an amazing and energetic broker who spawned many other salespersons and brokers,” his family said.
“Because of his honesty and hard work he became a successful real estate entrepreneur.”
Simpkins was a member of the St. John Lodge No. 44 of the Pennsylvania Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masonry, Prince Hall Affiliation, USA Incorporated where he served as master of the Lodge on more than one occasion.
In 1978, he became a member of DeMolay Consistory No. 1, earning the 32d degree of Masonry. In 1989, he was awarded the honorary 33rd and last degree and later became an emeritus active member of the United States Supreme Council, Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, Northern Jurisdiction, USA Prince Hall Affiliation.
In addition to his wife, Simpkins is survived by his children, Terri and her husband, Jeffery Pinckney and Leonard Warren Simpkins III; three brothers, John Paul Simpkins and his wife, Nathalie; Stanley A. Simpkins and his wife, Marie; Alfred D. Simpkins and his wife, Susan; sisters,Marion A. Thomas and her husband, John Thomas; Fern D. Rogers and husband, William Rogers; grandchildren, Miles Oliver Pinckney, Jalen and Tymere Simpkins; and other relatives and friends.
Services will be held Oct. 20 at 10 a.m. at Mt. Carmel Baptist Church,58th and Race streets.
