Carolyn Williams Finlay

Carolyn W Finlay of Melbourne, Florida passed away on 22 March, 2026 at the age of 98+. She was born on 12 August 1927 in Boyds, MD where she attended a one room schoolhouse, grades 1-3. Continued schooling at a nearby school in Germantown through middle school, then graduated from Richard Montgomery HS in 1945.

Carolyn attended one year at the University of Maryland (UMD) then met John S Finlay III whom she married on 3 June 1949. John graduated from the UMD the next day and was sworn in the US Air Force.

So off they went, while John was pursuing his Military career, Carolyn took care of the household and raising their three children; Carol Ann, John S Finlay IV, and Robert. During this time, they lived in Ohio, Florida, Utah, Virginia, Alabama, Arizona, Texas (stateside) and France for 2 years, England for 1, and Germany for 3.

During all these assignments, Carolyn was busy running the household and holding many positions: Coordinated Squadron programs for the Officer Wife's Club and serving as Vice President and President for several OWCs at various locations. She worked as Assistant to Girl Scout Troop and Troop Leader in another. Carolyn organized a bowling league at several Bases and also served as Secretary and President. She volunteered her time at local Thrift Shops.

One of Col John S Finlay III's last assignments was DaNang, AFB i n Vietnam. When he was preparing for this assignment, he settled the family in Satellite Beach, FL near Patrick AFB where Carolyn would have access to the base's services such as medical, religious, and other support services. John departed to DaNang on 28 January 1968 and unfortunately was shot down and listed as Missing in Action (MIA) for 18 months. He was later listed as Prisoner of War (POW) at the Hanoi Hilton in North Vietnam.

This totally changed life for Carolyn and her children. Not knowing of John's status, she elected to settle down in the Satellite Beach area and bought a home. While still raising three children, Carolyn was actively involved and coordinated a letter writing programs for POW/MIAs in Florida, she met with the Florida Senator for assistance, and attended many functions nationwide. John was finally released when all the POWs returned in March 1973.

John finished his last two years of service in the USAF before retiring in 1975. John and Carolyn decided to build a house in Indian Colony River Club in Melbourne. They bought two time shares in Daytona Beach where they enjoyed time away to relax and were avid travelers on Cruise ships all over the world.

Carolyn is preceded in death by her parents, Rebecca and Robert Williams; her husband, COL (Ret) John S Finlay III; and children, Carol Ann and Robert.

She is survived by her son, COL (Ret) John S Finlay IV, his wife, Marie and their kids, John V, (his wife, Jennifer and daughter, Amelia) and Brian, (his wife, Erica and daughters, Layla and Aubree).

The family would like to thank the caregivers at The Reserve of Mills Farm and those from Heartland Hospice for the care and compassion they showed our loved one in her final days.

Carolyn's inurnment service will be held at Arlington National Cemetery sometime in the future, where she will be laid to rest with her beloved husband John.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy can be shared below within “Add a Memory” for the Finlay family.