Richard "Dick" Earl Lindell

Richard “Dick” Earl Lindell, also known as “Chief” of Williston, SC passed away on Friday, June 26, 2026, at the age of 90 surrounded by his family. He was born on July 8, 1935, in Pachaug, Connecticut to Arthur and Evelyn Renshaw Lindell. Dick moved around with his family in his early years before settling down in Aiken, SC.

A graduate of Aiken High School, Dick continued his education and love for music at the University of South Carolina where he was a 1958 graduate. Following his time in Columbia, Dick began his career as band director for Williston-Elko. It was during this time that he met his wife. He married Faye Dicks on December 15, 1961.

Dick was a devoted Christian and combined his love for Christ and music by playing the piano and organ within the churches. He was the church organist for St. Thaddeus Episcopal Church in Aiken, SC for 15 years as well as several other churches in Barnwell County over the years.

He served as band director for Williston-Elko for many, many years followed by 9 years at Midland Valley High School in Aiken County. He was the school’s first band director and had the privilege of writing the alma mater. He led the bands in memorable performances at halftime and competitions and took home several State Championship titles. Additionally he was one of the original founders of the Edisto Conference Band. During this time, he impacted the lives of many students, but more importantly they impacted him. He was always proud to be their “Chief”.

A man of many talents, Dick could not stay idle following his retirement in 1989. He became a licensed residential home builder where he constructed over 26 homes.

He was a member of the Hope Masonic Lodge #126 in Williston, SC, the York Rite Masonry, as well as Williston Presbyterian Church.

He is survived by his wife, Faye Dicks Lindell, affectionately known as his “First Wife”, whom he loved for 65 years; sons Bryan (Joy) Lindell, Benji (Angela) Lindell, and Chris (Lou) Lindell; grandchildren Jaimie (Paul) Sullivan, Tori (Dustin) Shook, Brooke Lindell, Caleb (Anna) Lindell, Jered Lindell, Derek (Taylor) Dyches and Bryanna Dyches; great-grandchildren Olivia and Ellen Sullivan, Madden and Rumi Shook and Cayden, Adelyne and Everett Dyches. His sister, Gail (Lanny) Hudson, a brother-in law, Ray Dicks, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and all of his former students whom he dearly loved and cherished.

Two special young men came into his life and became like family, Mikail Baxley and Christian Wright.

In addition to his parents, he was pre-deceased by his sisters, Doris Poteetz and Ruth Nowakowski, his brother George Lindell, and granddaughter Rachel Black.

He is also joined in Heaven with his beloved feline friend, Vincent.

Visitation will be held beginning at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at the Williston Presbyterian Church, 207 Elko Street, Williston, SC. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. at the church with burial at the Williston Cemetery to follow with Masonic Rites accorded; Reverend Doug Blaikie will be officiating. Serving as Pallbearers are David Hughey, David Dandridge, Chris Rivers, Christian Wright, Lloyd Ward, and Norman O’Neal.

In addition to flowers, a contribution in memory of Dick may be made to the Connie Maxwell Children’s Home, 810 Maxwell Ave., Greenwood, SC 29646, the Williston Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 391 or the Williston Cemetery Fund, P.O. Box 367, Williston, SC 29853.

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