Charles Francis Finnie

He was born on March 30, 1937, in Norman, Oklahoma, and grew up in Beaumont, California. He resided in Riverside, California, for the past 55 years. Charles spent his entire 44-year career working for the Santa Fe Railroad (BNSF), with a brief stint at the beginning with the Union Pacific Railroad. He was proud to be a railroader and he was devoted to this way of life – even living on a box car at one point. His remarkable legacy is visible in the countless train crossings and signals throughout Southern California, many which you pass by every day.

Charles loved his family and is survived by his children - Mark Finnie (Joanne) of Oxnard, CA; Bruce Finnie (Lia) of La Libertad, El Salvador; Shelley Villarreal of Riverside, CA; and Pamela Baird (Josh) of Riverside, CA. He is also survived by 14 grandchildren – Raegan, Dannielle, Kelsie, Lexi, Devlin, Coral, Wyatt, Ryan, Maddi, Sean, Alana, Scott, Ian and Kirra; four great-granddaughter's – Emily, Irelyn, Olivia and Estlin; and many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his wife of “49 years, 8 months, and 20 days,” Linda C. Finnie; parents Charley Lee Finnie and Alice Parks; son Brian Finnie; granddaughter Kaylee Villarreal; daughter-in-law Debbie Finnie; sister Eva Kellogg and brother Clyde Finnie.

The family wishes for you to join in celebrating Charles’ life on Monday, February 24, 2025, at Acheson & Graham Garden of Prayer Mortuary. Visitation will be from 10-11 a.m., followed immediately by a Memorial Service from 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Interment will be at Olivewood Memorial Park at 1 p.m.