Bobbie Joe Finley Sr.

On Saturday, the 5th of February, 2022 the good lord called Bobbie “Bob” Joe Finley Sr. of Lansing, Michigan home to be with his Savior. Bob was surrounded by his family and was holding the hand of his loving wife of 65 years, Diane as he went peacefully.

Bobbie Joe Finley Sr. was born in McKenzie, TN on February 23, 1937 at the family home. As a young child he worked on the family farm, this instilled the value of hard work setting the tone for the rest of his life. In 1952 at the age of 15, he moved to Michigan with his family. During a weekend of good ole local boys drag racing shenanigans on S. Washington Ave, Bob met his future wife, soul mate, and best friend Diane. Love at first sight quickly turned to marriage and Bob married Diane Kaye (Hall) Finley August 14, 1956. Bob and Diane raised 5 children Bob Jr., Tammy, Doug, Kenny, and Jeff, and contributed to raising many others as their own.

Bob started Northside Service in 1967 building his first tow truck from the ground up to start his small, local, family owned business. Northside would grow into one of the largest towing and repair facilities in the Northeast United States along with his wife Diane and family by his side. He worked endless hours and always made sure there was food on the table. He loved people and his firm handshake was always a comfort to the customers he helped. It produced the trust and respect that everyone came to know and love. He put people at ease with his quick wit and sparkling smile.

Diane would lead Bob to a racetrack in the late 1950’s and it was “game on” as she loved racing and Bob was addicted from then on. Bob’s love for racing would lead to numerous new friends with most becoming part of his family, as well. Bob impacted the racing world by becoming one of the best crew chiefs and car owners in Michigan history. He touched numerous race car drivers careers most notably Gary Fedewa and his two sons Doug and Jeff. In 1995, he was awarded the Golden Circle Award at Spartan Speedway. In 2006 he was inducted into Michigan MotorSports Hall of Fame.

If Bob was not at the track, you could find him at his cottage in Houghton Lake surrounded by his family and friends. “Up North” is where he loved to fish and hunt the most. His hideaway, paradise, his place just to think and relax. No one was ever a stranger and most returned on a regular basis. His love for the outdoors included gardening and canning.

Bobbie Joe Finley Sr. is preceded in death by his son, Bobbie Joe Finley, Jr(Debra). He is survived by his wife, Diane Finley and children Doug(Melissa) Finley, Tammy Finnerty, Kenny Finley, Jeffrey Finley, 7 grandchildren (Terry Finnerty, Tim Finnerty, Corey Finley, Teia Conley, Ashleigh Finley, Chad Finley, Skyller Finley), 7 great grandchildren (Trestin Mancillas-Finnerty, Noah Finnerty, Delaney Bell, Arianna Finley, Conner Conley, Cohen Conley, Carsyn Finley), nieces, nephews. His lasting legacy will live on through his family. He will be greatly missed.

Due to Covid, a private service will be held for his immediate family only during this difficult time. An additional celebration of life will be held in the spring and will be announced at a later date for all to come and celebrate his wonderful life. In lieu of flowers, we ask you to please make a donation to the Ronald McDonald house in Lansing, MI in Bob Finley’s name. These donations can also be made at https://www.rmhmm.org/help-the-house/donate/donate-online.

A visitation for Bobbie will be held Monday, February 14, 2022 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM and from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Tiffany Funeral Home, 3232 West Saginaw Street, Lansing, MI 48917.

Serving as pallbearers are Doug Finley, Ken Finley, Jeff Finley, Terry Finnerty, Tim Finnerty, Corey Finley, Chad Finley and Trestin Mancillas-Finnerty.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Bobbie's memory may be made to Ronald McDonald House, 121 S Holmes St, Lansing, MI 48912 US, https://www.rmhmm.org/help-the-house/donate/donate-online.

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