John Finney
It is with great sadness that the family of John I. Finney III announces his sudden passing on November 8, 2017, after an accidental discharge of a firearm while attempting to clean and restore a pistol in his collection.
Yes, this is the man who safely drove your kids to and from Signal Mountain schools on bus 56 for over 10 years.
Yes, this is the man, when asked how he was doing, always replied with a frown that he was “mean, ornery and cantankerous….how about you?” and then proceeded to tell his life story to anyone crazy enough to listen.
Yes, this is the man who could always be found wearing a pocket t-shirt, cargo pants and suspenders, and dirty white tennis shoes.
Yes, this is the man whose hobbies included spending time with family, computer programming, weather stations, gardening, gunsmithing, cussing out telemarketers, music, and maintaining his beloved old Dodge truck and his school bus.
Yes, this is the man who loved his two sons, Adam and Ben, and their families with all his heart and soul.
Yes, this is the man who was the other half of Phyllis Finney, his best friend, companion, and wife, who were inseparable for 45 years of marriage.
This was Big John.
John was born in Florence, Al., to Pauline and John Finney, Jr. He attended Red Bank High School, class of 1972. He obtained an associate’s degree from Chattanooga State in Computer Science. John and Phyllis were high school sweethearts who married in 1972 and were never apart longer than a few days.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Phyllis Finney; his oldest son, Adam Finney (Hannah) and their their children - Ashley, Brandon, and Natalie; his youngest son, Ben Finney (Amy) and their their children - Liliana, Addison, and Emilia; his mother-in-law, Emalene Peck; and his younger brother, Robert Finney, of Atlanta.
A memorial service will be held for family, friends, and anyone whose lives were touched by John, on Sunday, Nov. 19, from 4-6 p.m. at True Life Church at the Renaissance Center, 630 North Avenue, Rossville, Ga. 30741. The service will be officiated by Reverend Danny Lance. Please feel free to come eat, chat, reminisce, grieve, and support each other.
In lieu of flowers, please send memorial contributions in his name to True Life Church, who are so graciously donating their time, space, and efforts on his behalf.