John Thomas Lindsey (83) slipped peacefully and quietly into eternal rest on Thursday, July 18, 2019 surrounded by his children at his side. God called home his beloved son affectionately known as “Tommy” by some and “Smiley” by others after a valiant effort to fight Bone Cancer. He made good progress, was a strong warrior, and a true fighter until the end as he was getting tired and ready to go in peace.
John Thomas Lindsey was born on October 13, 1935 to the late Gaythen Spellman and Media Whitehurst in Norfolk County, Va (now Chesapeake, Va.). John was predeceased by his parents, his wife (Sarah F. Lindsey), brother (Cleveland Whitehurst), grand-son (Javon Lindsey) and son (Ronald M. Lindsey).
“Tommy” grew up in Fentress and was educated in Norfolk County Public Schools where he perfected his skills in dance, sports and fashion. He and his brother Cleveland were chosen to appear on American Bandstand when they were young and later he would attend the Longshoremen events dressed in his best from head to toe and would have people gather around to watch him dance. He loved baseball (hard / soft / sandlot). In his youth, he would play hard ball on Sunday afternoons and softball in the evening. Over time, Tommy played for various teams including the Fentress Tigers and the Rockets (ILA local 1248). He played Left Field and could really run that ball down.
“Smiley” worked various jobs such as crane operator, rigor, equipment hauling, construction pile driver before becoming a Longshoreman of ILA Local 1248 on May 2, 1957. He retired on July 1, 1994 after 37 years of dedicated service as a Gang Leader.
John Thomas Lindsey lived in the Berkley section of Norfolk for over 20 years before he moved back to Chesapeake, Va. in 2013 where he made his home until his passing. He loved to host gatherings to get family and friends together. His children hosted a special surprise birthday party for his 79th year in 2014. He was really happy and truly surprised!
In fond memory, he is survived by his children, John T. Lindsey Jr (Paulette), Felicia Lindsey Epps, Bruce Lindsey (Milette), Regenia Riddick (William Sr.), Aaron Lindsey (Debbie), and Jeffrey W. Scott (Tomecia); brother Ydale Whitehurst (Jean Dell) and sister Willello Coker; daughter-in-law Janice Greenfield; 12 grandchildren, 10 great- grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
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Peg Iseminger says
July 26, 2019 at 11:29 amPraying for you all and hope you find peace in your loving memories of a remarkable man. Love to you all.
Collisa Baxter says
July 26, 2019 at 2:02 pmMay your hearts and soul find peace and comfort by the outpouring of love surrounding you,
Prayers and Blessings
Alana S. says
July 28, 2019 at 4:19 pmI’m sorry to hear about the passing of Mr.Lindsey. I am comforted to know he is no longer in pain. I pray that his loved ones hold tight to the promise God has given us for the near future to rid our lives of sickness and even death. We can be confident this will be fulfilled because God always keeps his word.
Nina says
August 15, 2023 at 7:50 amThis was my grandfather. Although we didn’t know each other, I am sorry to read this and learn of his passing.