Linwood Finney

Linwood Finney, 66, passed away Tuesday, November 2, 2021 in Williamsburg, Virginia. “Woody” or “Finney” as he was affectionately known, was preceded in death by his mother, Elizabeth Finney; sister, Loretta Finney; and great granddaughter, Daisy Burton.

He joined the United States Army in 1975 and served until 1983 as his first enlistment. Linwood transitioned back into civilian life and joined the Newport News Fire Department from 1983 to 1985. While serving in the fire department, he remained connected to the military as an Army Reservist. He re-enlisted back into the United States Army in the summer of 1985, completed his commitment and retired with the highest rank of Staff Sergeant. His duty stations included Fort Hood, Texas; Fort Eustis, Virginia; Fort Dix, New Jersey; Fort Hunter-Liggett, Monterey, California; and three tours in Germany.

Linwood retired from the military in 1995 with the combined time of 20 years of active and reserve, with countless distinguished medals, ribbons and awards.

He joined the James City County Sheriff Department in 1996 as a Sheriff’s Deputy and retired in 2017. He was also a member of the New Zion Baptist Church of Williamsburg.

Linwood is survived by his wife, Diane E. Finney; father, Thomas Lee Finney; daughter, Shakedria Finney; son-in-law, Ronald Burton Jr.; son, Verdine White; daughter, Katorah Clark (James); and step-daughter, Dionne (Eric); grandchildren, Ronald Burton III, Kamyakah Burton, Ky’Rae Johnson, Iyana Burton, Jy’Mer Johnson, Vania White, Za’Kiyah Johnson, Aidan White, Verdine White Jr., Bradyn White, Alon White, Isaiah White, Elicia McLean, and Easton McLean; 4 great grandchildren, Maison Johnson, Ronald Burton IV, and Shams Ibrahim Jr. , and Sophia Stanback; brothers and sisters, Renza Finney (Barbara), Thomas Finney Jr. (Cynthia), Airey Finney (Regina), Marguerite Pryor (Keith), Earven Finney, Julia McCray and Kimly Davis; aunts, Pearl Coleman, Julia Farrow, and Jaunita Mapp; and a host of cousins, and special friends, Chris, Majette, James and Kenny.

A visitation will take place Monday, November 8, 2021 from 5PM to 8PM at Nelsen Funeral Home, 3785 Strawberry Plains Road, Virginia. The service will follow Tuesday, November 9, 2021 at 12PM also at Nelsen Funeral Home. Graveside services will be Saturday, November 13, 2021 beginning 1PM at Adams United Methodist Cemetery, 23532 Lee Mont, Parksley, Virginia 23421.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.NelsenWilliamsburg.com for the Finney family.