By By Adam Prestridge
Montgomery lawmakers were shocked Sunday afternoon when they learned that State Sen. W.H. “Pat” Lindsey, D-Butler, had died.
Lindsey, 72, was found dead while on a hunting trip with other lawmakers, including state Sen. Roger Bedford, D-Russellville, when they attempted to wake him.
Lindsey’s passing also caught local leaders by surprise including Atmore Mayor Howard Shell who said Lindsey was a friend to the city.
Escambia County Commissioner Larry White was also saddened by Lindsey’s passing.
Lindsey, a graduate of the University of Alabama and a member of the Alabama and American Bar Association, was in his seventh term in the Senate. He served the 22nd District, which includes Baldwin, Choctaw, Clarke, Conecuh, Escambia, Mobile, Monroe and Washington counties.
Lindsey had two children, Lori and Patrick. He was an attorney, Methodist, a member of the Choctaw County Chamber of Commerce, and the University of Alabama Alumni Association.
According to his page on the Alabama State Senate’s Web site, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, and coaching youth baseball and football in his spare time.
Lindsey’s visitation was yesterday, Jan.14 from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Bumpers-Brown Service Funeral Home in Butler.
The funeral will take place today starting at 2 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church. A graveside service will follow the funeral service.
Prior to the funeral service on Wednesday, all people traveling to Butler for the service are invited to have lunch at First United Methodist Church at 12:30 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in memory of Senator Lindsey be made to the following: Gilbertown Library at Alabama Southern, 251 College St., Gilbertown, AL 36908 or the Choctaw County Public Library, 124 N. Academy Ave., Butler, AL 36904
According the State Senate’s Web site, Gov. Bob Riley will issue a Proclamation, specifying dates for a special election to fill the unexpired term in Senate District 22.