Bobby Clay Lindsay Sr.

Bobby Clay Lindsay, Sr., age 94, of Salisbury passed away peacefully Monday, October 30, 2023, surrounded by his family at Novant Health Rowan Medical Center. Bobby was born in Salisbury on May 14, 1929, and was the son of Addie Belle Kepley Lindsay and Esby Clay Lindsay. He was educated in the Salisbury City Schools graduating from Boyden High School in 1948. At age 16, Bobby began working at Malone’s Drug Co. Bobby studied Chemistry while attending Catawba College and made the decision to pursue a career in Pharmacy in 1951. He attended The University of Tennessee School of Pharmacy in Memphis, TN where he was a member of the Phi Delta Chi Fraternity. Living in Memphis during the early 1950’s was an exciting time and Bobby enjoyed every minute of it. He met Elvis Presley while in Memphis, and they became fast friends. Double dating, attending events at the Peabody Hotel and enjoying life on Beale Street were among their frequent nights on the town. Bobby graduated from The University of Tennessee School of Pharmacy in 1955 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Pharmacy. He would later be recognized by the Tennessee Board of Pharmacy as a Doctor of Pharmacy. Bobby returned to Salisbury and continued working in local pharmacies including Bailey Drug and Purcell’s Drug. During this time, he met Margaret Elizabeth Whirlow of Salisbury, they were married on February 1, 1959, and started their family. They were married for 51 years until Margaret’s death on May 1, 2010. Bobby enjoyed pharmacy but also had an entrepreneurial passion. In 1962, Dan Nicholas recruited him as a pharmacist and owner of Main Drug Co., located on North Main Street, Salisbury, NC. As an owner, Bobby was able to explore his passion as a retailer. During his years at Main Drug, he expanded his iconic Soda Parlor and maintained the secret recipe for orangeades and limeades. Others attempted to duplicate the famous beverages, but no one could master the Main Drug recipe. Bobby, again, expanded his retail business to include gifts and developed relationships abroad as an importer. This led to the opening of Season’s Greetings Gift Shoppe which operated next to his drugstore in the 1980s. Bobby’s drive as an entrepreneur was far from over. He was the first in this area to recognize the underserved ethnic hair care products market and expanded his offerings while building direct relationships with manufacturers to supply his growing business. Main Drug became a regional destination for customers seeking the very best selection of ethnic hair care products. He surprised many manufacturers when they learned his volume was all managed through one drugstore in Salisbury, NC. Bobby instilled a strong work ethic in his children enlisting both Ann & Clay to work in his drugstore at very young ages. Eventually, Margaret joined her husband in the family businesses where she enjoyed working alongside her husband and children. Bobby was a proud husband and father. Bobby was a charter member of Downtown Salisbury Action Association that eventually evolved into the formation of Downtown Salisbury, Inc. One of his favorite activities included being a longtime member of Wong’s Coffee Club and was its last surviving member. Bobby enjoyed spending as much time as possible with his family, traveling with friends and being at his Myrtle Beach, SC home. He loved photography, Carolina Panthers Football, and was an avid gardener with a specific focus on rooting English Boxwoods, Japanese Maples, and gardenias. In addition, he spent much of his time painting, crafting, collecting clocks and cameras, while solving all problems with a bottle of Elmer’s Glue. After retirement in 1991, Bobby enjoyed staying active by making daily rounds to keep up with the retail industry and Salisbury. He followed trends and tracked sales through his observations of inventory levels. He also was adamant about keeping tabs on the progress of his everchanging community. Bobby is survived by his daughter, Ann Lindsay Ellis and husband, John, of Salisbury; son, Bobby Clay Lindsay, Jr. and wife, Connie, of Salisbury; two very special grandchildren, Margaret Ann Fisher Lindsay of New York, NY, and Mary Margaret Ellis of Salisbury; sister-in-law Lois Whirlow Fowler of Salisbury; along with a number of nieces and nephews. A private graveside service will be conducted at Chestnut Hill Cemetery with the Pastor John Woodard, officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Bell Tower Green Inc., PO Box 4242, Salisbury, NC, 28145-4242. Bobby visited the park each day monitoring the vision, planning, progress, and activities. Summersett Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.summersettfuneralhome.com.

Bobby Clay Lindsay Sr.

May 14, 1929 - October 30, 2023