Jeff Bollinger

Jeff Bollinger dropped his body October 23, 2021. It was a blessing and privilege to know him. Beneath the grumbling, guarded curmudgeon exterior was a delicate, tender soul filled with love for family, friends, and all creatures (including the productive honeybees in his house) He exhaustingly gave of himself to others in need, caring little for material possessions (except his truck, which he could not wash and wax enough, and a certain lawnmower with which he spent many afternoons grazing in the grass). He loved nature: fishing, hand feeding baby sandhill cranes, collecting shells at beloved Sanibel, star-gazing and gardening (a hibiscus garden for Freddie, the best grapefruit anywhere, and recently sugar snap peas – wasn’t he sweet enough?) He enjoyed barbecuing for friends, but was rarely witnessed eating! And he adored the generosity, encouragement and care he received from his close friend Rosemary and all the folks at Moffitt Hospital (especially Drs. Kisch and Trotti), for which his life was not only extended but immeasurably enriched.
Jeff is survived by his mother Rachel, sister Barbara, brother-in-law Henry, niece Freddie, friends Rosemary, Rob, Martha, Becky and most importantly, his little dog Hay. Please join us in raising a glass (and perhaps an air cigarette!) to celebrate Jeff. His spirit is free, unencumbered by physical pain and earthly torments. No more weigh-ins at Moffitt, pockets loaded with change to cheat the scales. No more falls down the rabbit hole by the fishing shack. No more watching the University of Kentucky basketball team lose to-arghhhhh-the University of Tennessee. The blue light is on, the Kentucky flag is flying! Cremation With Care: Chas. E. Davis