Bobby Simpson, legendary airboat builder and Gladesman passed away March 2, 2021 in Fort Pierce, Florida. Bobby (Robert Franklin Simpson) was born in 1937 to John Franklin Simpson and Edna Louise Whorley Simpson. Bobby grew up in Palm Beach County, Florida and attended Palm Beach High. After high school he joined the U.S. Navy. Bobby gained metal working experience in the Navy and then with Boys Sheet Metal and Roofing in West Palm Beach. Bobby designed and built his first airboat in 1973. Bobby Simpson Palm Beach hulls were well known throughout South Florida for their innovative design, craftsmanship and durability. These hulls were riveted and built to run over dry ground. Over several decades, Bobby designed and built over 250 airboats "as a hobby" out of his backyard shop. Bobby is survived by his three sisters: Ginger Curry, Mary Hamlin, Jackie Hollman and many nieces and nephews. Bobby was truly one of the real Gladesmen, spending countless hours in his airboats and at his stilt camp "Dixie" in the Everglades.