John Allen Finley Jr.

John Allen Finley Jr., age 70, of Bartlett Tennessee, passed away peacefully on September 10, 2026, surrounded by his family and friends. John was born on September 19, 1955, in Detroit Michigan, to John Allen Finley Sr. and June King Finley. He graduated from Frayser High School in 1973 and earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Memphis in 1977. He went on to earn his Master of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in 1980 and did additional coursework working towards a Master of Religious Education. He later earned his Doctor of Ministry from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in 1994. On December 30, 1978, John married Donna Mae Guinn. They were married 48 years and the Lord blessed them with three daughters and twelve grandchildren. He served in youth ministry at a couple churches in Texas before moving back to Memphis, where he served as youth minister then senior pastor at Bartlett Hills Baptist Church (formerly Raleigh Baptist Church) for 31 years. John loved the Lord, he was a life-long student of God’s Word, and he had a heart for serving people. He also enjoyed serving at World Changers mission projects for 20+ years, playing tennis, running, beach vacations, silly jokes, and baking cakes and sugar cookies with the grandkids.

Favorite Verse:

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6

Surviving Family Members

• Wife: Donna Mae Finley

• Sister: Beverly (Robert) Turner

• Sister-in law: Mary Flores

• Children: Michelle (Brandon) Burch of Valdampierre, France, Rebecca (So) Chhim of Bartlett, Tennessee, and Andrea (D.W.) Moyer of Bartlett, Tennessee

• Grandchildren: Anora Moyer (18), Karis Burch (18), Micah Burch (17), Anya Moyer (17), Asher Burch (15), Noam Burch (12), Finley Chhim (11), Savy Chhim (10), Sawyer Chhim (8), Ember Jordan (7), Josiah Chhim (6), and Luka Moyer (4)

• Nieces and Nephews: Jonathan (Niki) Turner, Samantha (Patrick) Sullivan, Danielle (Randy) Wheeler, Elena (Kyle) Schnell, and Eli Flores

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and June Finley.

Service Information

• Visitation: October 24, 2026, from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM at Faith Baptist Church in Bartlett, TN

• Funeral Service: October 24, 2026, at 1:00 PM at Faith Baptist Church in Bartlett, TN

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Faith Baptist Church - Faith on Missions in John's memory.

Join the family in wearing your favorite World Changers shirt to the service if you would like.