Benjamin Neel Lindsey

Posted on October 22, 2021

Benjamin Neel Lindsey, 70, of Perry passed away Oct. 17, 2021, in Tallahassee. Neel was born on Jan. 28, 1951, in Tallahassee to Mary Louise Lindsey. Upon completion of high school, he attended the Fort Lauderdale Diving Academy, completing the 18-month underwater welding school. He earned two associate degrees, an Associate of Science degree in forestry and an Associate of Arts degree. Neel was a skilled pipefitter and a member of the United Association of Pipefitters Union #234. He is survived by: his loving wife, Susan Kemp Lindsey of Perry; his son, Nate Lindsey (Candie) of Perry; his daughter, Lori Hodges (Stuart) of Valdosta, Ga.; his grandchildren, Marlo Hodges and Mason Hodges of Valdosta and Julianna Lindsey, Jenna Lindsey, Georgia Lindsey and Gigi Lindsey, all of Perry; three young men he held in high regard, Cade Powell of Valdosta and Jarod Johnson and Will Sullivan, both of Madison; his sister, Sarah Hensley (Terry) of LaGrange, Ga.; and his aunt, Lee Lindsey McKinney. He is preceded in death by: his mother, Mary Louise Lindsey; his brother, Joseph Warren Lindsey; his grandparents, Louise and Byron Butler; his grandfather, Benjamin Hampton Lindsey; his aunt, Sara Brown; and uncle, JW Brown.His number one focus in life was his children and grandchildren.He was very instrumental in teaching his grandchildren about all things pertaining to American history. He was a proud Southerner and wanted his children and grandchildren to have a love of their Southern roots. He was also a professional diver and knew every road, spring and mud hole in Taylor County.Neel loved to hunt and fish and was vice president of the Organized Fishermen of Florida for many years. He loved adventure and enjoyed sharing that with his grandchildren. He took them on many exciting adventures, and he was always a source of great fun.He loved Aucilla Christian Academy and decided early on to send his children and grandchildren to school there. He did not miss any event that his children and grandchildren had. He loved attending every musical, Grandparent’s Day, and sporting event. He often said, “If Susan and I fall short, Aucilla will pick up the slack and secure the Lord Jesus Christ in their hearts.”His great-grandmother, Alma Blake Lindsey, was a founding member of St. James Episcopal Church, and she instilled a love of the church in Neel. He loved his Taylor County friends with all of his heart, and some of his greatest memories were of when they all stomped down the beach from Adams Beach to Hagan’s Cove. They created their own fun and entertainment, and those are some of his happiest days. His father-figure and grandfather, Ben Lindsey, took him hunting out West every year. He had many wonderful memories from his trips out West and loved to share them with his children and grandchildren. He often said if he could live anywhere other than Taylor County, it would be Colorado, Wyoming or Montana. Funeral services will be held Saturday, Oct. 23, at 3 p.m. at St. James Episcopal Church in Perry. The family will receive friends one hour prior the service, from 2-3 p.m., at the church. Interment will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery. Donations can be made in his name to the St. James Episcopal Church Memorial Fund, 1100 West Green Street, Perry, Florida 32347, St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital or the Wounded Warriors Project.T.J. Beggs, Jr. & Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be sent to www.beggsfuneral.com.