Funeral of Rangers and Linfield legend held in Glasgow

The former Northern Ireland centre forward of the 1950’s era was described by Rangers chaplain The Rev Stuart McQuarrie as “an absolute clean living man, and a fantastic footballer”.

Billy’s wife Margaret, sons Brian and Colin and daughter Maureen were present among the several hundred mourners who gathered for the service at Linn Crematorium in South Glasgow.

Rangers director John Gilligan was joined by Linfield chairman Roy McGivern and vice chairman Billy Kennedy in paying tribute to Billy Simpson who was described as a very modest and unassuming sportsman.

Former Rangers players Davie Wilson, Johnny Hubbard, Peter McCloy and John Brown were also among the mourners along with Alan McGraw who played and managed Greenock Morton and had a year with Linfield in 1969/70.

A nephew Graeme Simpson from East Belfast, spoke fondly about his uncle’s footballing prowess - 93 goals in 143 games for Linfield and 163 goals in 239 games for Rangers as well as 12 caps for Northern Ireland.

Billy in his Linfield career won an Irish League and two Irish Cup Winners medals. With Rangers he won three Scottish League medals and one Scottish Cup Winners medal.

Long after his playing career ended in 1959, Billy remained a very popular personality with both Rangers and Linfield fans. From he was transferred from Linfield to Rangers in 1950 for a record fee of £11,500, Billy lived in Glasgow but he remained a proud Ulsterman, intensely proud of his Donegall Road family roots.