James Finley Finley Greene

Marion, NC

James Finley Greene, age 87, of Marion, NC, passed away on August 10, 2016, at Autumn Care of Marion with his family at his side.

Finley was born May 30, 1929 in the community of Sevier of McDowell County to Todd McKinley and Bessie Hollifield Greene.

He graduated from North Cove High School in 1948, worked with his father operating a grader, then was offered a job with W.E Graham and Sons building roads in North Carolina & Pennsylvania for ten years and then as an Area Manager for 30 years for Vulcan Materials in Virginia and North Carolina. He served by appointment on the NC Mine and Safety Board. He found joy in taking children to the Shriner Children’s Hospital for treatment. He was a 58 year active member Mason with Mystic-Tie Lodge Af-Am#237 in Marion; and a member of the Mt. Mitchell Shriners and the Scottish Rite. In retirement he was a volunteer for Meals on Wheels and an avid golfer. In later years he was known for being a lawn mower repairman, grower and gifter of fine watermelons and cantaloupes and always letting his grandchildren win at gin rummy.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by 2 brothers, Ray & Jack Greene, & brother-in-law Jim Huff.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 67 years Betty Jo Brown Greene of the home; daughter Mary Scism (Jim) of Marion; son, Jimmy Greene (Joan) of Pittsburg; four grandchildren, David Scism, J.M. Scism, Emily Rose Greene, Rebecca Elizabeth Greene and one great grandson, Caleb Matthew Scism serving in the US Navy; three sisters, Marylena Huff of TN, Ann Greene of Marion, Joyce Byrd (Ray) of Marion; two sisters-in-law, Norma Greene of TN, Mary Lou Greene of Marion and many nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Service will be held on Sunday August 14, 2016 at Concord United Methodist in Ashford at 4:00 PM with Rev Chester West and Rev Mark Byrd officiating. Visitation will be from 2:00 – 3:00 PM at the church.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Shriner Children’s Hospital 950 W Faris Rd Greenville, SC 29605 or Hospice of McDowell County 575 Airport Rd Marion, NC 28752.

The family would like to thank the staff of Hospice and Autumn Care for the help and compassion given to Finley during his time of illness.

Kirksey Funeral Home has the honor of serving the Greene family.