Finlay, Madison Spurlock

  • Sunday, May 30, 2004

Madison Spurlock Finlay, 55, of Chattanooga and New York, died at home Friday, May 28, 2004.

He was a graduate of Bright School, Baylor School and the University of Virginia.

He was a renowned horticulturist, having designed, among others, gardens for the Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine in New York City. He was a member of the Advisory Council to the School of American Ballet at Lincoln Center, a benefactor of the Santa Fe Opera, a lifelong supporter of the arts and a student of language.

He was the grandson of the late Edward Finlay Sr., the late Mary Louise Finlay, the late Phil B. Whitaker, the late Hilda Perry Whitaker and the late Tavenner Hazelwood Caldwell. He was the son of Phyllis Whitaker Finlay and the late Edward Finlay Jr.

He is survived by his sister, Tavenner Finlay Hall; his brother, Edward Whitaker Finlay; a niece, Tavenner Marie Hall; two nephews, Patrick Whitaker Finlay and Brian Spurlock Finlay; and friends around the world.

A graveside service will take place at 1 p.m. Tuesday in Chattanooga Memorial Park.

The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. on Tuesday at Wann Funeral Home in Chattanooga.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, memorial gifts be sent to School of American Ballet, Attention: Amy Rome, 70 Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, NY 10023, or to a favorite charity.

Arrangements are by Wann Funeral Home in Chattanooga.

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