Robert Spann Lindsey

Robert Spann Lindsey, a devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend, peacefully went to be with his Lord on June 24, 2024, at the age of 82. A retired USAF F-4 Phantom Jet and A-10 “Warthog” Pilot, Bob spent the final 12 years of his distinguished life in the Historic District of Lakeland, Florida, enjoying the serenity of his Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired home designed by Architect Ernie Straughn and constructed by Rudy Brown.

Born to Colonel Howard W. and Alice Y. Lindsey in Orlando, Florida on August 18, 1941, Bob would never imagine the adventurous life he would live. As the younger brother of Yon Huston Lindsey, Bob resided in various locations such as Washington, DC, France, Germany during the years after WWII and returned to South Georgia for cherished times with family at Blackwater Plantation in Quitman, GA and Santa Fe River Ranch in Alachua, FL.

Bob’s academic journey took him from Baylor Military Academy in Chattanooga, TN to the University of Florida where he attended on an athletic scholarship and played football. He graduated with a BS Degree in Secondary Education before being commissioned as a USAF Lieutenant pilot at Laredo AFB, TX. Further training as an F-4 Phantom Fighter Jet Pilot at MacDill AFB, FL, led him to marry Carolyn Meroney Hicks of St. Petersburg, FL on June 15, 1968.

It was in August 1968, Bob embarked on the first of his two 1-year combat mission assignments at Cam Rahn Bay AFB, Vietnam and Ubon AFB, Thailand, completing 195 combat missions. His exceptional skills earned him a position at the prestigious Fighter Weapons School (the Air Force “Top Gun School”) where when he completed the training, he instructed other elite instructors from all F-4 Phantom squadrons. His career included notable assignments at RAF Bentwaters, England; HQ USAFE at Ramstein AB, Germany; Myrtle Beach AFB, SC; USAF Tactical Air Warfare Center, Eglin AFB, FL; and post USAF retirement after 23 years, Lt. Col. Lindsey dedicated 15 years to McCauley-Brown Contract Firm where he managed operational munitions employment in F-4 and A-10 aircraft.

Bob’s favorite charities were FUMC, Lakeland, FL, Kiwanis International, and Toys for Tots.

Bob is survived by his beloved wife, Carolyn and their sons: Ryan Matthews Lindsey, married to Heidi Lunsford; and Chad Denham Lindsey, married to Catherine Anne Dunham. His legacy lives on through his grandchildren: Zachary, Eli, Kate, Clara, and Elaina. He is also survived by his brother Yon Huston Lindsey and many nieces, nephews, cousins and in-laws including Charles H. Hicks III. Bob’s life was profoundly influenced by his aunts, Snead Y. Davis and Nancy Y. Schmoe, and he cherished the relationships with his cousins Suwannee and Lou Shuntich, Susannah Borg, Jeannie Schmoe, Robert Hicks and Laurel Wethington.

There will be a Memorial Service with USAF Honor Guard at FUMC Sanctuary, 72 Lake Morton Drive, Lakeland, FL on July 6, 2024, at 11:00 AM with reception following.

The family is grateful to Col. and Mrs. Ken Krause, Rev. David McEntire, Rev. Charley Reeb, Rev. Andy Whitaker-Smith, Dr. Patrick Grogan, Dr. Michael Oliver of Moffitt Cancer Center, as well as Lakeland Regional Hospital, The Club at Lake Gibson, Compassionate Care Hospice, and Art Kretzer II of Heath Funeral Chapel, and to all of the friends and neighbors who offered care and compassion to our family.

Donations in Bob’s memory may be made to the Neuro-Oncology Department of Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.heathfuneralchapel.com.