LINDY V. BOLLEN, DDS,
was born September 11, 1927 to Effie Mae and Fred M. Bollen in Wooster, Ark. His birth came just months after Charles Lindbergh completed the first-ever solo flight crossing the Atlantic Ocean. “Lucky Lindy” was viewed as a hero and the name resonated so much with Effie Mae, that she named her second son after this aviation legend. Little did she know that her Lindy would also one day take to the skies and earn his own pilot’s license and travel the nation with his co-pilot and wife, Bettye.
Lindy was raised in Vilonia, Ark., and was instrumental in helping around the farmstead all while excelling in athletic endeavors including baseball, basketball, and track and field. He would also attend the Arkansas State Fair and Livestock Show each year with various animals that he raised to win many ribbons of excellence for his animal husbandry skills.
Lindy completed his B.S. degree in agriculture from the University of Arkansas in 1948. On graduation, he assumed a teaching position with the Plum Bayou Schools in Wright, Ark., where he met the love of his life, Bettye Jo Bost. In March 1952, the two joined in holy matrimony just months before Lindy began his pursuit of a dental degree from the Baylor College of Dentistry in Dallas, Texas. Dr. Bollen graduated in 1956, then joined the Air Force, serving as a Captain in the Dental Corps at Lackland Air Force Base.
Following an honorable discharge, Lindy and Bettye returned home to Arkansas, and opened his dental office in Jacksonville where they raised their three children, Dr. Lindy Jr. (Jan), Lisa Bollen Harter, and Dr. Gregory (Lana). Known as Papa Doc by his nine grandchildren, Lindy and Bettye also enjoyed five great-grandchildren.
Dr. Bollen served his community and his patients at an exceptional level. On several occasions, he would receive letters from dentists in other states complimenting him on the finest gold restorations they had seen. He served on the School Board of the Pulaski Special School District in the early 1970s, and as a deacon of the Jacksonville First Baptist Church. He was also actively engaged in the Arkansas State Dental Association serving on the Executive Council and always known for speaking his mind during any business meeting. He enjoyed flying, snow and water skiing, motor coach travels, and was no stranger to hard work. He had a tough exterior, but those who knew him well adored his sense of humor and tenderness.
Lindy was preceded in death by his parents; older brother (Fred); sister (Virginia); grandson (Kyle Bollen); and his beautiful wife, Bettye, who passed just weeks before his calling.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be sent to support the Baptist Home Health Hospice that served both Lindy and Bettye in their final weeks.
Visitation will be at 1 p.m. Friday, November 12, 2021, at Smith North Little Rock Funeral Home. Funeral will begin at 2 p.m. Interment will be at Rest Hills Memorial Park. Online guestbook www.SmithFamilyCares.com