MMC Bobby James Findley, USN Retired, age 86 pass away on Thursday 12/02/2021 at the Colonel Robert L Howard State Veterans Home in Pell City, AL after a battle with Alzheimer’s / Dementia. Bobby will be remembered as one of the most hard-working men known, loved his God, wife, family and country and that he would do anything for anyone in need.
He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Earline Baird Findley of Gardendale, AL and his children: James (Kathy) Findley, Gardendale, AL; Johnny (Tammy) Findley, Huntsville, AL; Joseph (Leah) Findley, Greeley, CO; Beverly (Jason) Perkins, Mt Olive, AL.
Grand children: Emily Shipp, Tina Findley, Haley (Scott) Cagle, Austin (Autumn) Perkins. Great Grand Children: Abigail Shipp, Leah Shipp, Grayson Findley, Colton Cagle, Judson Cagle. Great-Great Grand Children: Aubrey, Kristi & Emma.
Brothers: Donald Earl (Tommie) Findley, McCalla, AL and Harry Mack Findley, Shelby, AL. As well has many loved cousins, nieces, nephews and dear friends.
Bobby was preceded in death by his father & mother Richard Russell and Ernestine (Goodwin) Findley; brothers Russell “Junior”, Willie “Bunk”, Wayne, David, and Roger Dale; sisters Bettie Cain, Alice Darden, Sue Eaton and Billy Jo.
Bobby was born 01/18/1935 in Shelby County, AL. In the early 1950’s he was baptized in a creek near Sardis Baptist Church, Sardis, AL. During this time his family was share cropping in the area. Bobby was a traveling spirit from early on hopping trains to find work to joining the US Navy and many travels with Earline and family across this country that he loved.
Bobby enlisted in the US Navy in 1954 and retired in 1974 (Machinist Mate Chief Petty Officer) then served in the US Navy Reserves. During his career he was stationed at Naval Training Center, Great Lakes, IL; Naval Auxiliary Air Station, Barin Field Foley, AL; Helicopter Training Group, Ellyson Field, Pensacola, FL; Guam; Naval Submarine School, Groton CT; and Naval Air Station Memphis, Millington, TN. Assigned to USS Piedmont; USS John A. Bole (Life time Member); USS Chanticleer; USS Proteus, USS Sperry, USS Independence. Awarded Navy Good Conduct Medal (5th Award), National Defense Service Medal (with Bronze Star). Plank member of the US Navy Memorial and a life time member of Fleet Reserve Association / Branch 112 – Birmingham AL where he served as President 2009 thru 2014.
After retiring he and Earline settled in Gardendale, AL where he worked several jobs before opening his own business’ of Findley and Son House Painting and BJ Cabinets working with his sons & son in law. He loved building and restoring things which also led him to restoring vintage automobiles. He was a member of The Covered Bridge Car Club in Blountsville AL.
Unfortunately, Alzheimer’s and dementia cut his travels here on earth short. However, he was given wonderful care by his wife and family and then the great caring staff at Colonel Robert L Howard State Veterans Home in Pell City, AL and Lakeside Hospice until his passing.
A visitation for Bobby will be held Monday, December 6, 2021 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Ridout's Gardendale Chapel, 2029 Decatur Highway, Gardendale, AL 35071; funeral service at 2:00 PM, followed by his graveside service in Oakwood Memorial Gardens, Gardendale, AL.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to The United States Navy Memorial (P.O. Box 96570, Washington, D.C, 20090-6570 or navymemorial.org) in memory of MMC Bobby James Findley, USN (Ret).
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ridoutsgardendalechapel.com for the Findley family.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18