Biography: Wayne Edwin Lindsey, 83, of Little Rock, died Thursday June 25, 2020 after a courageous struggle with Alzheimer’s disease.

He was born on December 1, 1936 in Mena and was predeceased by his parents, Gladys and Alex Lindsey; his first wife, Rose Marie Robertson  Lindsey to whom he was married for 17 years; his son Clay Martin Wimberly; his sister, Harriet Brewer; his brother, Philip Lindsey; and his sister-in- law, Anne Hansen.

He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Lynn Hansen Wimberly Lindsey; daughter, Elaine Lindsey Porter and husband Robert (Fayetteville); daughter Beth Wimberly Hohfeler and husband Jay (Dallas); son Todd Lindsey and wife Gwen (Tampa); and daughter Mary Kate Wimberly (Fayetteville). Wayne is also survived by his seven grandchildren : Molly Hohfeler Vaugn (Jack), Tyler Lindsey (Mallory), Hannah Lindsey, Maggie Hohfeler, Joseph Porter, Matthew Porter, Kate Hohfeler and a nephew, Douglas Griffiths.
 
 Wayne graduated from Mena High School where he excelled in all sports. He attended Arkansas Tech University, where he played football for the “Wonder Boys”. After transferring to the University of Arkansas, he graduated from the University of Arkansas School of Law.

His distinguished professional career focused on housing issues, specifically with the goal of providing safe, affordable housing for all people. This goal was achieved with work through the Little Rock Housing Authority, the United States Departments of Energy and Housing and Urban Development and Charter Mortgage & Investments  Inc. He later founded Wayne Lindsey and Associates, a housing consulting firm, and prior to his illness, served many clients.

Wayne was kind and gentle, honest and genuine. He was a lover of the downtrodden and gave dignity, without distinction, to everyone. To the family’s amusement and fascination, he sought out total strangers on vacations around the world to introduce himself and get to know them—no matter the context or time constraint. Some of Wayne’s fondest memories were of trips to Russia, Israel and Europe with Lynn. He and Lynn were of like-minds when it came to sacrificing their lives for children and grandchildren. Wayne’s favorite title was “Pappaw”, which was how the grandchildren referred to him. He cherished family vacations to the beach, mountains, and National Parks, as well as cruises with the grandchildren to Alaska and the Caribbean. In Wayne’s eyes, the location mattered not as much as the fact that he was with his favorite people.  
 
Wayne could elicit laughter at most any time with an understated dryness of which he was probably never aware. He was a humble, grateful man—qualities that owe their source to being loved by Christ. He was longsuffering (as in driving a rented Winnebago for two weeks through the American West with a new wife and five newly-blended children). He was generous with his time and resources because he genuinely knew they weren’t his to hold. 

Wayne gave his life away in service to Christ and the community of Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church. Leading strategically, he served on the Board of Stewards, Mission Board and the Education Committee. In addition, he chaired the Finance Committee and served as a Stephen Minister Leader. For over a decade, he taught elementary-grade Sunday school classes and supported Lynn's service in ministry for their entire marriage. But, his signature contribution remained as an usher most Sunday mornings greeting countless church members and visitors at the sanctuary’s front door. This singular duty became a multiplier of warmth to souls known and unknown to him. His welcoming smile, engaging laugh and strong handshake, somehow, made all the difference to the congregation. He projected safety and comfort to all inside and loved them with his service.


Memorials in Wayne’s honor may be made to The PHUMC Foundation, designated for one of the following: the Lindsey Endowment, the Childrens Endowment or the Caring Ministry Endowment.  Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church, 4823 Woodlawn, Little Rock, AR 72205.
 
There will be a family service in the PHUMC columbarium on Tuesday, June 30, 2020 at 11:00 am. Immediately following the service, there will be a drive by reception for friends and family. If you are interested in participating, please line up at 11:30 a.m. in the lower level parking deck off of Lee Avenue. More instructions will be given at that time. A memorial service will be held at a later date when it is safe for Wayne’s many friends and family to gather.