Bobby Dodd Finch

Dr. Finch left Spring Hope after High School and joined the Navy to see the world. He never left Norfolk, VA. He became the ship service manager at Little Creek and was there for three years. During his time there he met his wife, Kay. After being discharged they moved to Newport News and he began working in the Shipyard as a boilermaker. A friend he worked with invited them to attend church and at a home prayer meeting on a Friday night be bowed to the God of heaven and earth and asked to be forgiven of his sin, believing that Jesus Christ died on the cross for him, was buried and rose again the third day. This changed his life forever. He became a faithful member of Central Baptist Church, taught Sunday School and sang in the choir. Not long after that he felt that God has placed his hand on him to preach of that Good News someone had shared with him. He began preparing by entering Baptist Bible College in Springfield, MO. in 1955. During this time God placed on his heart to take this message of God's amazing grace to Japan. On Feb. 4, 1961 the family arrived in Japan and the ministry he began, continues. He started six churches, had a kindergarten for Japanese children, began a Bible book store, taught at the Japan Baptist Bible College and was also a trustee. His testimony will live forever because of the lives he touched. Today, he is alive and well and enjoying the promise of that new body with no more pain or suffering, having sweet fellowship with family, friends, but most of all thanking Jesus for what He did for him.

Preceding him in rest are his brothers, J.P. Finch, Wallace T. Finch, and Zack Finch. Surviving members of his family include his wife of 64 years, Katherine M. Finch; children, Bobby M. Finch and wife Connie, and Karen L. Reed and husband Bill; grandchildren, Patrick Reed, Tracy Coleman and husband Jamie, and Jennifer Jenkins and husband David; great grandchildren, Kailee Coleman, Ethan Coleman, Emmy Coleman, Eli Jenkins, and Ali Jenkins; sister, Mary Cooper; brothers, Tommy Finch and Jack Finch; and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends Monday evening, September 12, 2011, from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM, at Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home. A service celebrating Dr. Finch’s life will be held

Tuesday morning, September 13, at the funeral home at 11:00 AM. Interment will follow in Parklawn Memorial Park.

Memorial contributions may be made to Central Baptist Church, 1200 Hodges Ferry Road, Portsmouth, VA 23701.

Friends are encouraged to visit www.parklawn-woodfh.com to share memories and words of condolence with the family.