Thomas Paul Finnerty

Tom was born on September 5, 1946, in Riverview Gardens, MO, to the late Paul and Vera (Holloway) Finnerty. He earned a bachelor's degree from Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville and a Master's degree from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, CA.

He served his country for 27 years in the United States Marine Corps, and he brought that same dedication to all areas of his life. Tom was a man of his word and leaves a legacy of honor, selflessness, kindness, and devotion to those he loved.

While in college, Tom joined the Marine Corps Platoon Leader Class Program and was commissioned after graduation in 1968, later serving in the Vietnam War. He was stationed at several locations throughout his career: Parris Island, SC; Camp Lejeune, NC; and Raleigh, NC.

In Raleigh, he met and married his loving wife of 46 years, Lynda Holyfield Finnerty. Together, they relocated to Monterey, CA; Washington, DC; Okinawa, Japan; and Atlanta, GA. He retired in 1994 after serving as Commanding Officer of the Sixth Marine Corps District.

In 1995, the family settled in Raleigh, N.C., to spend more time with their daughters. Tom began a second career, teaching and coaching at Apex and Cary High Schools. In 1996, he was selected to establish the NJROTC Unit at Cary High School, for which he was named Teacher of the Year in 2011. His commitment to his students was evident during his more than 17 years of teaching. Through his example of service, integrity, and patriotism, many students were inspired to follow in his footsteps and serve their country.

Tom found true happiness in the company of his family. A loving “Graddy," he held dear every moment he shared with his wife, children, and grandchildren.

He was involved in his community, volunteering with the USO and the City of Raleigh Greenway Program. Tom always remained active—he enjoyed running, rowing, cycling, and archery. He was a prolific reader with a deep interest in history and current events. He loved traveling with his wife, particularly to Holden Beach and Boone, NC.

He is survived by his wife, Lyn, and his daughters: Julie Lee of Raleigh; Erin Hardy (Dean) of Boone, N.C.; and Tyler Gwozdz (Ryan) of Singapore. He is also survived by seven grandchildren: Camryn, Lexi, Jax, Owen, Colt, Ryder, and Truett; sister-in-law, Paula Holyfield; cousins-in-law, Barbara “Bunny” Batts and Sara Atkins and their families; and many other family and friends who will deeply miss him.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son-in-law, Robert “Eddie” Lee; brother-in-law, James “Jim” Watson Holyfield, Jr.; and cousin-in-law, David Batts.

We will never forget his quiet strength, beautiful heart, and the way he showed us how a true gentleman treats everyone in his life. We will love him always.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at 11:00am, in the Chapel of Mitchell Funeral Home. A burial with Military Honors will follow in Raleigh Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed the USO, P. O. Box 96860, Washington, DC 20077, or to the Cary High School JROTC Program, 638 Walnut Street, Cary, NC 27511, Attn: JROTC, or by using the links below, under 'Donations'.

If you would like to leave a favorite memory / story of Tom, or a message of condolence for his family, you may do so below, within 'Add a Memory'.