William Charles Finley

- SAVANNAH – William Charles Finley, 78, of Savannah, Georgia, died Tuesday night, May 26, 2015, surrounded by his family under the care of Palmetto Health Hospice.

Born in LaGrange, GA, he was the son of the late James Clyde and Miriam Holle Finley and brother of the late James Clyde Finley Jr. He graduated from College Park High School, College Park, GA in 1955 and Georgia State University in 1960. He served his country in the United States Army from 1960 to 1962 in Landshut and Augsburg, Germany as a Launcher Platoon leader and from 1962 to 1968 in the United States Army Reserve culminating as Headquarters Commander and Assistant S-3. From 1962 to 1965, he worked for H.J. Minter Company. In 1965, he became a Certified Professional Salesman for John Sexton & Company and retired in 1999.

He was a member of The Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Ascension, where he served on the Youth Committee, Captain Butler’s Committee, Sunday School Treasurer, and as an Usher. He received awards for services to youth: Lamb Award (Lutheran Church Award), St George and Bronze Pelican Awards (Diocese of Savannah), and the Celtic Cross (Presbyterian Award). As a supporter of the Boy Scouts of America, he served as a Scoutmaster, Committee Chairman, and a Wood Badge Trainer. Bestowed scouting awards include the Silver Beaver, Vigil Honor member of the Order of the Arrow, and National Scoutmaster Award. He was also a member of the German Heritage Society, German Friendly Society (past President), Landrum Masonic Lodge, Scottish Rite, and past Alee Temple member. Additionally, he served his community as an avid American Red Cross blood donor, being one pint short of 13 gallons which made him very proud.

He enjoyed woodworking, gardening, hunting, fishing, camping, boating, reading, and spending time with his wife and family. He enjoyed all aspects of life and never met a stranger.

He was a beloved husband, father, father-in-law, and grandfather. He will be sadly missed by his family, friends, and anyone he came in contact with.

Surviving are his wife of 53 years, Ellen Jerkins, of Savannah; daughters Tina Myers (Jay) of White House, TN, and Leigh Hart (Hansel) of Irmo, SC; sons Colonel Charlie Finley (Kristin) of Tucson, AZ and Chaplain Captain Patrick Finley (Dawn) of Rincon, GA; and ten grandchildren.

The family wishes to thank all of the many caregivers and friends who were so loving and caring. A special thanks for the care and support provided by the doctors and staff of Palmetto Health Baptist Parkridge and Palmetto Health Hospice, Irmo, SC.

A memorial service will be held at The Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Ascension - 120 Bull Street, Savannah, GA 31401 on Sunday May 31, 2015 at 2:00 p.m.

Interment service will be held at Georgia Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery - Glennville, 8819 U.S. Hwy 301, Glenville, GA, 30427 on Monday June 1, 2015 at 1:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers the family wishes donations to be given to the Coastal Georgia Council of the Boy Scouts of America – 11900 Abercorn St, Savannah, GA 31419 or to The Benedictine Military School STEM Challenge found at https://www.thebc400.com/pages/support-pages/online-giving supporting the construction of a new wing dedicated to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).