Lindy Gene Thomas Callahan

Lindy Gene Thomas Callahan, 97, passed away peacefully at his home in Gulfport on Wednesday, April 23, 2025. A longtime and beloved resident of Gulfport, Mississippi, Lindy was born in Vicksburg on December 25, 1927—a Christmas gift to all who would come to know and love him.

A devoted family man, lovingly known as “Papa,” he was preceded in death by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Simon Joseph Callahan; his sisters, Jonelle Stroble and Mary Bernard Farr; and his grandchild, Krista Heitman Callahan. He is survived by his wife of 71 years, Ann Fincher Callahan—the unwavering partner who stood beside him through every chapter of his life. He is also survived by his children: Tommy Callahan (Connie) of Cosby, TN; Tim Callahan (Roxanne) of Ocean Springs, MS; and Lori Atherton (Johnny) of Gulfport, MS. His legacy lives on through his grandchildren: Kimberly Best (Nathan), Eric Callahan (Kristen), Katie Sanders (Clay), Anna Marshall (Logan), Molly Atherton (Jonathan), Jordan Guy (Joey), and ten cherished great-grandchildren.

Lindy’s early years were spent in Meridian, Mississippi, where he attended St. Patrick’s Catholic School and Meridian Public Schools, graduating from Meridian High School in 1948. There, his natural athleticism and competitive spirit shone brightly. He excelled in football, boxing, and track, earning All Big-8 honors in football two years in a row. That success earned him a football scholarship to the University of Mississippi, where he lettered three years as a halfback under Coach John Vaught and two years in baseball under Coach Tom Swayze.

Lindy earned his Bachelor of Science in Physical Education from Ole Miss in 1953, later continuing his education with a Master’s Degree in Education from William Carey College and a Specialist Degree from the University of Southern Mississippi. He also served as a part-time instructor in Athletic Administration at the University of Southern Mississippi—always eager to pass on his wisdom to the next generation of leaders.

His journey with Gulfport began in 1953 when he arrived as an assistant football coach and teacher. It quickly became a lifelong bond. In 1955, he became the Athletic Director for the Gulfport School System while continuing to coach football and baseball. During the early 1960s, with the help of his loyal coaches, players, and managers, he built a football dynasty—guiding the team to 42 consecutive Big 8 Conference victories, an incredible 35-game undefeated streak, and three coveted Mythical State Championships. His love for Gulfport and its people never faded.

He retired in 1992 after 39 years of dedicated service, but his impact remains visible today. Both the playing field at Milner Stadium and the weight room at Gulfport High School proudly bear his name—quiet reminders of the thousands of lives he touched. And in December 2024, Milner Stadium became even more meaningful when a commemorative marker was placed there to honor his extraordinary legacy.

Lindy was a charter member of both the Mississippi Association of Coaches and the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association. He served as President of the Mississippi Association of Coaches and held two terms as President of the Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA). In recognition of his immense influence, the MHSAA established the Lindy Callahan Scholar Athlete Award in 1995—an honor that continues to support and inspire young leaders across the state by selecting sixteen recipients annually.

He was also instrumental in founding the Alabama/Mississippi All-Star Football Game and, with Coach Leo Jones, established the Gulf Coast Coaching Clinic in 1963. That clinic ran for an impressive 57 consecutive years and became one of the South’s premier gatherings for athletic professionals.

Lindy’s life’s work was defined by preparing young men and women not just to compete—but to succeed in life. Nothing delighted him more than being called “Coach.” At the sound of the word, he would turn with a smile, ready to reconnect with a former student, player, or friend. It was a title he carried with pride, and one that defined the essence of who he was.

Over his long and storied career, Coach Callahan was inducted into nine athletic halls of fame—five national and four in Mississippi. National honors included the Distinguished American Award from the National Football Foundation & Hall of Fame (1979), induction into the National Federation of High Schools Hall of Fame (1995), the National Council of Secondary School Athletic Directors Presidential Hall of Fame (1996), the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association Hall of Fame (2009), and the National High School Athletic Coaches Association Hall of Fame (2018). His Mississippi accolades included inductions into the Mississippi Association of Coaches Hall of Fame (1979), Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame (2004), Ole Miss Athletic Hall of Fame (2009), and the Gulfport Sports Hall of Fame (2014).

Lindy also gave back to his community in countless ways. He was a past member of the Gulfport Jaycees (receiving their Distinguished Service Award in 1961), the Rotary Club of Gulfport (recipient of the William Harris Hardy Award in 2005), and the Gulfport Gridiron Club (Lifetime Achievement Award honoree). He served on the boards of the Salvation Army and the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame.

He was a devout Catholic his entire life.

Lindy was a devoted husband, but he never missed a chance to say that his greatest strength came from Ann. She was the love of his life, his unwavering partner, and the quiet force behind everything he accomplished. For 71 years, she was his rock—steadfast, graceful, and endlessly supportive. He often said she was the wind beneath his wing, but to those who knew them, it was clear: Lindy’s life wouldn’t have soared the way it did without her by his side.

He took immense pride in his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He followed their lives with boundless enthusiasm and rarely had a conversation without sharing their latest accomplishments. If you knew Lindy, you knew how much he loved them.

And of course, there were his beloved dogs. From Prince—his boyhood protector on Sunday paper routes—to Jack and Maggie, his ever-present companions, and finally Boo, the rescue pup chosen by Lori, Anna, and Molly to brighten his days. They brought him joy, loyalty, and love throughout every season of life.

The family extends their deepest gratitude to his devoted caregivers—Marilyn Turnage, Alfred Simmons, Alfred Lewis, and Melissa Barnes—whose care, compassion, and love brought comfort and dignity to Lindy in his final days.

Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at St. James Catholic Church in Gulfport.  Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 1:00 p.m. Interment will take place at Floral Hills Cemetery in Gulfport.

Memorials may be made to the Lindy Callahan Scholar Athlete Award through the Mississippi High School Activities Association or to the Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi.

Riemann Family Funeral Homes, Gulfport, is serving the Callahan family, and memories may be shared on his obituary page at www.riemannfamily.com .