Robert Gray "Simp" Simpson of Chapel Hill died April 10 following a year-long battle with lung cancer. He was 76.

He was a prominent downtown clothier businessman for more than three decades. He graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill in 1956. As a student, he worked at the Town and Campus, a men's and women's clothing store, which he and his spouse, the former Anne Ruffin of Pink Hill, later operated together for 32 years. He was with Dillard's store in Chapel Hill and South Square for 15 years. During the Korean War, he served for two years in the U.S. Army intelligence service in Germany.

He was a member of the Chapel Hill Jaycees.

A celebration of his life was held Tuesday at Holiday Inn of Chapel Hill. Private services were held following cremation.

Survivors include his wife;two daughters, Robin Simpson Stedem of Matthews and Melissa Ann Cato of San Diego, Calif.; two sisters, Nell Davis and Jill Sessions; a brother, Allan Simpson; and eight grandchildren;.

Memorial donations may be made to Hospice of Chapel Hill, 1777 Fordham Blvd., Chapel Hill, N.C. 27514.