Tindle, long-time educator and civic leader, passes at 81

Gregory Thompson Tindle Sr., who served as Meadville’s mayor for more than two decades and who was also a fixture in the Franklin County School District for almost 30 years, passed away on Saturday, March 11.

He was 81 years old.

Tindle was born to Clyde and Mary Evelyn Tindle on Feb. 17, 1942, and his formative years were spent on the family farm in Boliver County.

He was a 1960 graduate of Cleveland High School, attended junior college and played football at Moorhead and went on to earn his degree from Cleveland’s Delta State University in 1966.

Tindle married Patsy Price in 1964 and the couple moved to Meadville two years later as he began working at Franklin County High School where he would serve as a beloved educator and coach over the next 28 years.

He officially retired from public education in 1994.

His devotion to the community was highlighted by his lengthy tenure of public service, which included being elected as Meadville mayor from 1984 through 2005.

Tindle holds the distinction as Meadville’s longest serving elected chief executive officer at 21 years and two months, according to current Mayor Lane B. Reed.
Additionally, Tindle served as a Meadville alderman after being elected in 1981.

He was also municipal judge, a firefighter, bus driver, truck driver and car salesman through the years.

Tindle was also a member of Meadville Baptist Church for 57 years, enjoyed singing in the choir and spending time with his fellow church-goers.

He was also passionate about motorcycles and sharing his love for the open road with others.

Tindle was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Garth Tindle and Gerry Tindle; and his sister-in-law, Lynette Tindle.

Survivors include his wife of 59 years, Patsy Tindle; his two sons, Franklin County Sheriff Tom Tindle (Kaky Tindle) and Tim Tindle (Jacqueline Everett); his six grandchildren, Molly Linton (Derek), Brittany Devoll (Shawn), Tucker Tindle, Trey Tindle, Trent Tindle and Marlee Tindle; his four great-grandchildren, Lila, Adrian, Ella and Barry; his sister-in-law, Rosemary Tindle; and his five nieces and nephews.

Funeral services for Tindle were held at noon on Tuesday, March 14 at Meadville Baptist Church.

Interment was in Midway Cemetery.

Visitation was held from 10 a.m., until the time of service on Tuesday at the church.

The family asks that memorials in Mr. Tindle’s name be made to Hospice Ministries of Brookhaven, 397 Brookhaven St., Brookhaven, MS 39661.

Online condolences and reflections can be shared at www.franklinfh.com.

Franklin Funeral Home of Meadville was in charge of arrangements.