Lynn Page

Hugh Leonard “Lynn” Page was born on September 21, 1940, in Cairo, Georgia, to Sara Miller and Hugh Simpson Page. He moved to Columbus from Cusseta, Georgia, during elementary school. He met the love of his life, Ida Pound, at Columbus High School where he graduated in 1958. He attended Georgia Tech, and while there made many lifelong friends, especially his ATO fraternity brothers; he would say he barely graduated in 1962. Later that same year, Lynn married Ida. In 1965, Lynn and Ida moved back to Columbus, where Lynn began working at Columbus Bank and Trust.

Lynn is best remembered professionally as the “father of Total Systems,” the man behind the legendary dinner in 1974 when he made a deal for CB&T to process credit cards for another bank. That dinner would eventually lead to the formation of Total Systems, which became TSYS, and is now Global Payments. He was also one of the executives that grew CB&T into Synovus Financial. Lynn retired in 1991 as Vice Chairman of Synovus Financial.

In the 34 years after retiring, Lynn lived a life filled with family, friends, and new ventures. He enjoyed golfing locally with family and the Big Group, in the North Carolina mountains with the Fourth of July families, and around the world with other enthusiasts. He built the Red Oak Golf Club in Cusseta and managed it for many years. He was an avid quail hunter, and at Five Chimneys Farm he was the designated hunting guide for friends and family. He and Ida founded Columbus’s first contemporary Christian radio station, which is now 107.7 The Truth. And in recent years, he and Ida helped found Grace Presbyterian Church ECO, where Lynn grew in his affection for his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Lynn was a giant in many respects, looming large in the boardroom or around the dining room table, but it is his big heart and gigantic—but often quiet—generosity which will leave a lasting impact on his family and community. For all his accomplishments, he was unassuming and more comfortable on the backroads of Chattahoochee County in a beat-up pick-up truck than he was at a black-tie affair at a fancy club. Having once considered himself an underdog, Lynn gave his time and resources—professionally, personally, or philanthropically—to help others who needed a chance.

With a mischievous grin, Lynn could spin a tale of epic proportions about childhood antics, business deals, or golf course banter. However, he especially beamed when talking about his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and considered them his crowning achievements. Of all the titles and accolades he held, “Granddaddy” was his favorite.

After battling leukemia, Lynn died peacefully on February 11, 2025, surrounded by family. He was preceded in death by his parents and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. He is survived by his high school sweetheart and devoted wife of 62 years, Ida; his children, Dr. Edwin Page (Pam) and Nancy Sheek (James ‘Kim’), both of Columbus; ten grandchildren: Allen Page (Jenn), Ben Page (Emily), Miller Page (Carsyn), Hugh Page, Darby Elder (Shane), Remi Miller, Natalie Page, Sara Catherine Clark (Troy), Jamie Sheek, and Nan Sheek; four great-grandchildren: Dulaney Leonard “Dell” Page, James Page, and Ida Grace and Judah Clark; the Shilyuk family who were so special to him: Luba, Alex, Matthew, and Nathan Leonard; numerous Miller cousins who were like siblings; and many friends who were like family. Lynn was the first to admit he was a blessed man.

There will be a visitation on Friday, February 14, from 4-6 p.m. at the home of Pam and Edwin Page. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, February 15, at 11:00 a.m. at Grace Presbyterian Church ECO, 7211 Britton Drive in Columbus. A private burial at Parkhill Cemetery will follow.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Lynn’s memory to Grace Presbyterian Church ECO, Truth Spring, Inc., Mercy Med of Columbus, 107.7 The Truth, or a local charity of your choice.