Relatives and friends say goodbye to Lewis Simpkins

Lewis Simpkins left an impact far beyond the football field at River Bluff High School, friends said at his funeral Monday.

His moving devotion to God inspired teammates to follow in his footsteps, said his trainer and former coach Chris Wooten in noting that ten teens asked to be baptized Sunday.

“A 14-year-old boy has changed everybody’s life here,” Wooten said.

That comment was shared with more than 200 friends and relatives who attended the funeral at Word of God Church and Ministries in St. Andrews.

Simpkins died Wednesday after football practice at school, almost two weeks shy of his 15th birthday. Tests that will determine the cause of the death of the outgoing teen are expected later this week, Lexington County Coroner Margaret Fisher said.

On Monday, few could contain their emotions during the funeral referred to as a homegoing service.

Simpkins was a friend, teammate and brother, teammate Noah Johnson said.

During the summer, both attended football camp where the two talked about making it to play at Clemson University.

“It’d be me and Lew,” Johnson said. “That’s all he talked about – his family, Clemson.”

Everyone knew about the 14-year-old’s aspirations.

He walked into the halls of River Bluff near Lexington on his first day as a freshman last year wearing the Tigers’ orange and purple colors, classmates and teammates remembered.

Simpkins also recently rededicated himself to his faith during a camp for Christian athletes, friends and classmates said.

Bishop Eric Davis, who presided at the service, called on his teammates to do the same. During the service, more than 20 students, including some teammates, stood up in tears and promised to follow Simpkins’ example.

Those who knew Simpkins best are better because of their relationship, school principal Luke Camp said.

Simpkins had high expectations, enrolling in honors classes and played percussion with the school band in addition to football, Camp said.

He also had a kind heart and a smile that would light up a room, the educator continued. said.

“It was that smile that I will never forget,” Camp said. “I will always cherish that radiant smile.”

This story was originally published August 15, 2016 at 4:16 PM with the headline "Relatives and friends say goodbye to Lewis Simpkins."