Vataha B. Simpson

Vataha Bellcount Simpson, a loved father, son, brother, uncle and friend departed his earthly life on Saturday, May 9, 2026. “Taha” or “George”, as he was affectionately called, was born in Columbia, South Carolina, on May 16, 1973, the beloved son of Glora Whitener Simpson and the late Alton Simpson, Sr.  He was the youngest of seven children.

Vataha was educated in the public schools of Richland County School District One and was a proud 1991 graduate of C. A. Johnson High School, home of the “Mighty Hornets”.

Throughout his adult life, “Taha” worked for several companies, Gaineswell Construction and most recently, The University of South Carolina, CAS. While he was skilled in many trades, such as painting and auto mechanics, his passion was barbering. In his leisure time, you could find him on his mother’s porch or in the back yard cutting the hair of his family and friends and telling jokes.

Because of “Taha’s” sense of humor, charismatic personality, and infectious smile, he was rarely viewed as a stranger. His smile and craft for joke-telling could brighten a room and soften any heart.  He will be missed by all those who loved and knew him.

 In addition to his father Vataha was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Mr. and Suber G. (Willie O.) Whitener, Sr.; paternal grandmother, Maseline Criswell; aunt, Lucille Thomas; uncle, Claude Rhea Thomas; uncle and aunt, Suber (Edith) Whitener, Jr.; aunt, Alice Mayo; uncle, Benjamin (Claudia) Whitener and LeAnn Whitener; and brother-in-law, Rufus Dunlap.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory a loving son, Tevin Vataha Mayo; his mother, Gloria Simpson; four brothers, Ricky (Jacqueline) Boyd of Columbia; Donald (Sharon) Boyd of Columbia; Kevin (Aretha) Boyd of Michigan, and Alton (Kimberly) Simpson of Georgia; two sisters, Wanda Dunlap and Michelle (Les) Priester, both of Columbia; his childhood best friend, Garrette “Ticki” Hayes along with a host of nephews, nieces, great nieces and nephews, uncles, aunts, cousins, and other relatives and close loving friends.

As we remember Vataha Bellcount Simpson, let us celebrate his life, the joy and laughter he brought and showed to others, and the love that will always live on in our hearts.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Vataha B. Simpson, please visit our floral store.