A longtime beloved Gulfport, Mississippi, resident, Lindy Gene Thomas Callahan, took his last breath peacefully on April 23, 2025, at his home in Gulfport, at the age of 93.
Lindy Gene Thomas Callahan, affectionately known as “Papa”, is survived by his wife of 71 years, Ann Fincher Callahan, and three children: son Tommy Callahan and daughter-in-law Connie; son Tim Callahan and daughter-in-law Roxanne; daughter Lori Atherton and son-in-law Johnny.
A happily married couple for over seven decades, Lindy and Ann had each other’s backs at all times until Lindy took his last breath.
Lindy never missed a chance to praise Ann for being his rock and the love of his life. Everyone who knew about the couple knew how much they were in love, regardless of having been married for a prolonged time.
He was a loving grandfather to his six grandchildren, Kimberly Best (Nathan), Eric Callahan (Kristen), Katie Sanders (Clay), Anna Marshall (Logan), Molly Atherton (Jonathan), Jordan Guy (Joey), and ten great-grandkids.
Lindy is preceded in death by his parents, Simon Joseph and Mrs. Callahan, his sisters Jonelle Stroble and Mary Bernard Farr, and his grandchild Krista Heitman Callahan.
Lindy was a family person who loved spending time with his loved ones. He also leaves behind his four dogs: Prince, Jack, Maggie, and Boo.
One of Lindy’s furry friends, Prince, was like his protector on Sunday paper routes, whereas his ever-present companions were Jack and Maggie. While Boo was the rescue puppy chosen by his daughter Lori and granddaughters Anna and Molly.
The Callahan family expresses their gratitude to Lindy’s caregivers Marilyn Turnage, Alfred Simmons, Melissa Barnes, and Alfred Lewis, who cared for him wholeheartedly until his final days.
Reportedly, Lindy’s visitation is scheduled for Saturday, April 26, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at St. James Catholic Church in Gulfport, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 1:00 p.m. Interment will take place at Floral Hills Cemetery.
Lindy Had An Impressive Career Of Over Three Decades At Gulfport!
Lindy Callahan was born on December 25, 1927, to parents, Simon Joseph and Mrs. Callahan.
His journey began in Meridian, Mississippi, where he excelled as a student-athlete at Meridian High School, excelling in football, boxing, and track.
Lindy’s talent earned him a football scholarship to the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss), where he played as a halfback.
At Ole Miss, he lettered three years in football under Coach John Vaught and two in baseball under Coach Tom Swayze, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education in 1953.
Lindy later earned a Master’s Degree from William Carey College and a Specialist Degree from the University of Southern Mississippi, where he also taught Athletic Administration.
In 1953, Lindy moved to Gulfport, where he began a 39-year career as a coach, teacher, and Athletic Director.
By 1955, he was the Athletic Director for the Gulfport School System, coaching football and baseball.
Under his leadership in the 1960s, Gulfport’s football team achieved a remarkable 42 consecutive Big 8 Conference victories, a 35-game undefeated streak, and three Mythical State Championships.
Lindy also co-founded the Gulf Coast Coaching Clinic in 1963, which ran for 57 years, and played a key role in launching the Alabama/Mississippi All-Star Football Game.
He served as president of the Mississippi High School Activities Association and the Mississippi Association of Coaches.
In 1995, the MHSAA established the Lindy Callahan Scholar Athlete Award, which annually honors sixteen young leaders across Mississippi.
All thanks to his contributions which earned him induction into nine athletic halls of fame.
Lindy earned the National Federation of High Schools Hall of Fame (1995), the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association Hall of Fame (2009), the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame (2004), and the Ole Miss Athletic Hall of Fame (2009).
He received the Distinguished American Award from the National Football Foundation & Hall of Fame in 1979, among other national and state honors.
A devout Catholic, Lindy was a past member of the Gulfport Jaycees (Distinguished Service Award, 1961), the Rotary Club of Gulfport (William Harris Hardy Award, 2005), and the Gulfport Gridiron Club (Lifetime Achievement Award).
Likewise, he served on the boards of the Salvation Army and the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame.
Now that he isn’t anymore, the Gulfport, Mississippi community is mourning his loss. Meanwhile, we offer our heartfelt condolences to his wife, kids, and extended family.
Rest Easy, Lindy Gene Thomas Callahan!
