G. David Lindenmayer, Jr.

Born:  March 17, 1922

Died:  October 17, 1963

My Uncle Dave died when I was in Junior High School.

 He was 41 years old when he died of a heart attack.

He was a member of Bellevue Baptist Church and Veteran of World War II.

I remember him as a very funny man, often compared to Danny Kaye.

During his college days at Mississippi College,

Dave was known for his athletic ability, especially in Track.

He was also the subject of one of Dr. Chester Swor's sermons,

and Dave's story is included in one of Chester Swor's books.

When I myself was a student at Mississippi College,

Chester Swor was a frequent speaker.

Chester Swor was a dynamic speaker!

Chestor Swor himself was a graduate of Mississippi College,

and he served on the Faculty until 1942.

(Therefore, he knew my uncle personally!)

One day, as a Chapel Speaker, Chester Swor told the story of my uncle,

not knowing that I was in the audience.

Dave's story was called "The Race for Life",

and centered around Dave's reputation as a Track Star.

With the team's championship at stake,

the coach asked Dave to run an extra race.

Dave won that race and the team won the state championship.

However, Dave collapsed at the end of the race.

He was rushed to the hospital in heart failure.

Dave was in a coma for several days.

The Doctors gave him no hope.

The students formed a 24 hour prayer chain at the hospital.

 And Dave miraculously survived.

Dr. Swor's story centered on the dedication needed --

the endurance needed --

and the sacrifice needed --

 to "run the race" and "finish well".

"I have run the great race,

I have finished my course,

I have kept the faith. . ."

II Timothy 4:7

Dave, Billy, Dot Lindenmayer

Three Siblings, who stuck together through thick and thin.

 Dave, Bill, Dorothy Lindenmayer

Gottlieb David and Olga Lindenmayer, with sons Dave and Bill,

and Grandchildren, Charlene and Diana Chiles, 1956