OMEGA — Tommy Lindsey was selected as the independent pharmacist of the year by the Georgia Pharmacy Association Academy of Independent Pharmacist, according to a press release.

The award was presented to Lindsey at the association’s annual convention in Nashville, Tenn. in July. The award is presented each year for “Outstanding, loyal, and dedicated service to Independent Pharmacy.”

Lindsey began working at Keith Drug Company in Omega as a clerk at age 14.

After graduation from Tift County High School he attended Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College and received his associate degree in science.

He then attended Mercer University College of Pharmacy in Atlanta where he received his pharmacy degree in 1974. In 1975, he purchased the pharmacy where he had worked as a teenager and Omega Pharmacy was established.

He served in the Georgia Army National Guard, the United States Army Reserve, and the Georgia Air National Guard, the release states. In 1987, he became a founding director of Tifton Bank and Trust Co. which was later purchased by BB&T Bank. He served on the Tift County Board of Education from 1991 to 1997 and then served an interim term in 2008.

Lindsey is a member of the Georgia Pharmacy Association, the American Pharmacy Association, and the National Community Pharmacist Association and St. Anne’s Episcopal Church.

He and his wife Betty Ann have been married for 43 years. They have two daughters. Leigh Ann, her husband Cole and son Mason live in Valdosta. Lauren, who will graduate from Mercer College of Pharmacy next year, plans to join Omega Pharmacy.