Jerry Lindsay

Remembering Jerry "Pop" Lindsay

Jerry Lindsay was known to most everyone simply as Pop. It was a name that suited him well because he was the kind of man who was always there when someone needed him. Caring, hardworking, outspoken, and full of life, Pop left his mark on the people around him through his honesty, his humor, his generous heart, and his unwavering belief in those he loved.

Pop believed firmly in living by the words, "Say what you mean and mean what you say." He told it like it was and didn't cut anyone much slack. He was always picking at the people he loved, and if he wasn't teasing you, you knew something must be wrong. He also had a way of putting a price on just about everything. Grab a Coke out of his refrigerator? That'll be a dollar. Ask him for something? He'd have a price for that, too. It was just another one of Pop's ways of giving everyone a hard time and keeping them laughing. You never quite knew what he might charge you for next, but you could always count on him to make you smile.

A hard worker from an early age, Pop knew what he wanted to do with his life. He grew up dreaming of driving a big truck, and that is exactly what he did. He believed that work should be more than a way to earn a living. He encouraged those around him to find something they loved so they could truly enjoy what they did. He led by example, showing that dedication, determination, and a willingness to work hard could take you far. He even maintained perfect attendance throughout his entire school career, a reflection of the dependable, determined man he would become. Pop was a man who showed up, and he lived his life that way.

Pop was also a man of remarkable creativity and resourcefulness. He could take just about any piece of scrap and turn it into something beautiful. Whether he was working on a trunk, a barrel, or one of his many projects, he was always busy making, fixing, or creating something. And whatever the item, he could tell you its history. His hands were rarely still, and his ability to see potential in something others might overlook was just one more thing that made him special.

He had plenty of stories to tell, and one of his favorites was about picking cotton as a child. He begged his father for a long cotton sack, despite being warned that it would become too heavy. Determined to have it his way, he finally got the sack he wanted, only to discover that his father had been right all along. But his father made him use that cotton sack for the rest of the season. It was a story Pop told time and time again, one that reflected his determination and perhaps a little of the stubbornness that those who knew him well would recognize.

For Pop, a good Western was always a good choice, especially if it starred John Wayne. It is hard to hear John Wayne's name without thinking of Pop, who seemed to

have watched every one of his movies a dozen times over. He also had a well-known weakness for sweets. A visit to Pop wasn't complete without finding candy in the candy jar, and a spontaneous invitation to go get ice cream was never out of the ordinary. He loved to cook, too, and his grilled ribs were nothing short of perfection.

Above all else, Pop believed in the people he loved. He taught those around him, often without even realizing it, that they were capable of more than they might imagine. He believed that with enough determination and a genuine love for what you do, you can accomplish just about anything you set your mind to. His encouragement was a reminder to believe in yourself, work hard, and never be afraid to pursue something you love.

Pop's legacy is found in the lessons he shared, the stories that will continue to be told, the laughter he brought into a room, and the countless ways he showed up for the people who needed him. He leaves behind a reminder to work hard, speak honestly, find joy in what you do, and never underestimate what you are capable of.

Pop spent his life showing up for others. That is how he will be remembered: a hardworking, honest, caring man who loved deeply, teased freely, and always made sure there was room for one more piece of candy or one more trip for ice cream. He was, and always will be, Pop.

Arrangements entrusted to Tri-State Cremation & Funeral Services.