Kent Lindsey

Kent Lindsey exited the stage of earthly life on April 15, 2015, but throughout his short 61 years he played many parts -- from brother, musician, actor, role model, civic leader, loyal friend to proud father and beloved husband. Kent made his entrance on June 1, 1953 in Clinton, Oklahoma to parents, Bill and Norma Lindsey. At an early age his family moved to El Paso, Texas where Kent began his love for the stage. At the age of 6, he was tap dancing at USO shows. Kent grew up on horseback and trained racehorses until he grew too tall to be a jockey. He later rode bareback broncos in rodeos. At the suggestion of Pat Horine from the Kingston Trio, Kent moved to Kentucky to meet singer/songwriter Mike Shackelford. This meeting didn’t only form the popular band Justin, but created a friendship of more than 40 years. Kent, Mike, and various incarnations of Justin performed in large national venues garnering attention in many publications including Billboard Magazine. The band moved to Jacksonville in 1976 and quickly enjoyed great popularity and success. After 13 years as a professional musician, Kent joked that he’d return to the more secure profession of acting. Kent appeared in feature film projects such as Passenger 57, Glory, and GI Jane, as well as numerous television projects and national commercial spots. He was featured in many industrial film productions for such prestigious companies and agencies as CSX, UPS, NASA and the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center. He was the creator, producer and host of the Emmy award winning “Jacksonville Legacy Series.” He served as vice president of the Florida Motion Picture and Television Association, was a graduate of Leadership Jacksonville, and was president of the Meninak Club in 2010. For 11 years he entertained children as Safari Sam, the wild and crazy host of the Fox 30's Kids' Club. As Safari Sam he received many awards for his charitable work in the community and he produced several musical recordings for kids promoting self-esteem and a positive attitude. Kent’s greatest role was that of husband and father. Kent married Pepper Farris in 1985 and they have been inseparable ever since. Kent and Pepper created Lindsey Films in 1987, a full service media production company. People would always ask how they could stand to be married and be in business together. Kent and Pepper completed, found strength in, and brought out the best in each other. Their marriage of almost 30 years was a true and amazing testament to honor, respect and a deep love, each allowing the other to grow and evolve without judgment or jealousy. Their favorite place to hang out together was just outside their back door, on a modest porch they dubbed, “The Gratitude Café.” In 2003, Kent and Pepper welcomed daughter Samantha. In true Kent form, when the new family drove home, he insisted that they stop the car a block from the house. He gathered his daughter in his arms and walked the rest of the way because he wanted to be the first guy to walk her home. A great dad in the short time he had with Sam, he always told her to remember three words, “thoughts become things.” When he was diagnosed as a non-smoker with lung cancer in 2012, Kent attacked the disease like he approached everything in his life –with a positive attitude and a huge smile that was full of love and gratitude. He often referred to the diagnosis as “a gift.” But in the end, Kent Lindsey was a gift to all us. And we are truly grateful to have been able to share our lives with such a remarkable man.

Kent is survived by his wife Pepper; daughter, Samantha; brother, Jeff Lindsey (Francis); his best friends, Mike Shackelford (Stephanie), John Thacker (Karen); and extended family of nephews, many cousins, and hundreds of friends.

To honor Kent’s wishes and to carry out his plans, a celebration of his life will be held on Monday, May 11, 2015 at 3:00 pm in the studio of WJCT Channel 7.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Meninak Club of Jacksonville, St. John the Divine Greek Orthodox Church, or the Lindsey Benefit Fund, c/o The Jacksonville Bank.

Words of comfort can be left at www.HardageGiddensOaklawnChapel.com.

HARDAGE-GIDDENS, THE OAKLAWN CHAPEL, 4801 San Jose Boulevard, is serving the family.