Clarence Giles Finch, Jr.

Clarence Giles Finch, Jr., age 69, of Chattanooga, Tennessee, gained his heavenly wings on August 15, 2025.

Born on June 21, 1956, in Winchester, Tn., he was the beloved son of the late Clarence Giles Finch, Sr. and Mae Virginia Clark Finch. Clarence was educated in the Franklin County School System, graduating from Franklin County High School with the class of 1974. He married his high school sweetheart, Brenda Pruett, in 1978. There were two children born to this union, Keisha and Kendric. To his close family, he was affectionately known as “Junebug”, a nickname that reflected the warmth and love surrounding him throughout his life.

Clarence valued the importance of education and continued his studies at Motlow State Community College and Cleveland State Community College, where he completed his respiratory therapy training. He went on to become a certified respiratory therapist, a career through which he touched countless lives. After completing his bachelor’s in business administration, he pursued graduate studies and went on to receive his master’s in healthcare administration.

Over the years, Clarence faithfully served in the medical field at Parkridge Hospital, T.C. Thompson’s Children’s Hospital, and Erlanger Hospital. His dedication, leadership, and compassion for others led him to become the Director of Respiratory Therapy at Erlanger. In 2001, he advanced his career by accepting the role of Director of Respiratory and Critical Care at MD Anderson Cancer Research Center in Houston, TX. Beyond his hospital service, Clarence gave back to his profession through active leadership in the Society of Critical Care Medicine, serving as Secretary, President-Elect, and ultimately President of the Texas Chapter, as well as Vice Chair of the Respiratory Section. In 2011, his leadership was honored when the Mayor of Houston presented him with a proclamation recognizing his service as President of the Texas Chapter of the Society of Critical Care Medicine. He was also a proud and long-standing member of the American Association of Respiratory Care, the Society of Critical Care Medicine, and contributed to the Texas Department of Health. His influence reached beyond patients, shaping the future of respiratory and critical care through mentorship, advocacy, and professional leadership. Following his retirement in 2018 and return to Chattanooga, Clarence later found success in the car sales industry at Nissan of Cleveland, TN, where his charisma and determination earned him the nickname “The Birdman.”

Outside of his profession, Clarence also accepted his call to ministry and became an ordained minister in 1991 in the African Methodist Episcopal church. He initially served under the mentorship of the late Reverend Dr. Edward W. Jackson at Bethel A.M.E. Church of Chattanooga, TN. He would later serve as Pastor to Quinn Chapel A.M.E. Church (Chattanooga, TN) and Greater New Bethel A.M.E. Church (Jackson, TN).

In his leisure time, Clarence enjoyed baseball and dancing. He was also an avid fan of the L.A. Lakers and Houston Rockets.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Mae Virginia Clark Finch; father, Clarence G. Finch, Sr.; sister, Marva J. Paris and brother, Reverend Dr. Charles Robert Finch.

Family who shall forever cherish Clarence are: two loving and devoted children, daughter Keisha (David) Wheeler, and son Kendric Finch, both of Chattanooga, TN; one very special dear friend Brenda Pruett-Finch of Chattanooga, eight grandchildren, Davian and Keon Wheeler of Charlotte, NC, Donathan, Kyla and Khloe Wheeler of Chattanooga, TN, and Malachi, Elijah, and Olivia Finch of Chattanooga, TN, one sister in love Ms. Linda Carter-Finch of Chattanooga, TN and brother in love Reverend Kenneth E. Paris of Chattanooga, TN. Surviving aunts, Tennie Ann Austin (Columbus, OH); Catherine Kelly (Plantsville, CT); and Sarah Adkins (Madison, TN) and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the administration and staff of American House Shallowford Road Memory Care Unit for their devoted care and compassion. A special thanks is given to Nurse Shirley Torregano, whose kindness, laughter, and encouragement brought comfort and peace during Clarence’s journey.

Any acts of kindness including flowers are appreciated, but we would be greatly honored by a memorial contribution to the Alzheimer’s Association as a tribute to Clarence G. Finch Jr.

On Saturday, Aug. 23, the family will receive friends beginning at 10 a.m. until noon, at John P. Franklin funeral Home, 1101 Dodds Ave., Chattanooga, 423 622-9995.