WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH — Frank Lynn Lindsey, age 92, of Wrightsville Beach, NC passed away peacefully on March 6, 2025.
He was born on September 11, 1932 in San Diego, CA, a son of the late Franklin Randolph Lindsey and June Dolle Burt. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 28 years, Patricia Ann Lindsey, two daughter, Kristi Lindsey Downs and Teresa L. Koska, and three siblings, Robert Lindsey, Steve Burt and Linda Gregory.
Surviving are his five children, along with his grandchildren, Nancy Masters (Scot) and child (Opal); Michael F Koska III (Angela) and child (Caroline); Caroline Koska Reda (Ralph) and children (Joshua and Megan); Atlanta Marie Carrera and children (Lana, Christina and Jenny); Stella Keller Black (Richard) and children (Salem and Taylor); grandchild, Grant Gausman; 5 great-grandsons; and a close family friend that was like a son to him, Alan C. Carter. Also surviving are two special nephews from his brother Bob, Devin Lindsey and Corbin Lindsey.
Mr. Lindsey was a 1951 graduate of Point Loma High School, San Diego, CA, and studied business at San Diego State University. He was a 1978 graduate San Mateo Community College with a degree in aviation. Frank had a love of aviation as a licensed pilot along with a collector of all things Amelia Earhart. He served in the United States Marine Corps 1952-1954 as a Sergeant during the Korean War. His love of country and respect for the American Flag ran deep, along with motto “Semper Fi” meaning “always faithful”. He grew up in California during the great depression with his mother and brother, Bob. After the loss of his father, his mother was so kind and loving, always taking great care of her boys. His mother’s positivity in the face of adversity was a trait that he carried through his life. His life was filled with travel around the world, ski trips to Lake Tahoe, working in his garden, and amazing kindness and generosity to others.
The majority of his career, Frank worked in the fire protection industry, which is what brought him to NC and in 1990 he and Pat were married. They ran Keller’s, Inc. together for over 25 years, enjoying traveling to industry events, growing the business, and treating every employee as family. Frank was an industry legend and a member of many fire protection organizations that helped shape the business.
He came to NC as a CA boy that fell in love with his time at Wrightsville Beach. The home he shared with Pat became the greatest gift which he shared with all his grandchildren, loving the water, pulling them all and their friends on the tube, having every birthday party on the dock, weddings in the backyard and many more memories of sunsets to be thankful for the day God had made. So many will remember their times at “Grandpa Frank’s”. His other favorite past time came every Thanksgiving, decorating his boat to be enjoyed in the annual Holiday Flotilla, a tradition his grandson, Josh, still carries on today.
His 92 years on this Earth were a blessing to all who knew him. The family is thankful for Lower Cape Fear Hospice, along with caregivers that helped take care of him. His grandchild, Salem, shared special times caring for him these last 2 years.
The family will hold a service at a later date at his home in Wrightsville Beach.
In lieu of flowers, consider a donation. Frank had a few charities he supported, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Breakthrough T1D, or Lower Cape Fear LifeCare. That would truly honor him in a special way.
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