Charles E. Finney, MD Obituary

Charles E. Finney, MD, Albany, GA, died Saturday, August 11, 2012 at the Willson Hospice House. His funeral service was conducted Monday, August 13, 2012 at Covenant Presbyterian Church followed by interment at Crown Hill Cemetery. The Reverends Biff Coker, Don Adams, and Tim Oldes officiated. Dr. Finney was born in Cochran, GA on June 12, 1934 to Evelyn Dykes Finney and Ralph B. Finney. He graduated as Valedictorian from Valdosta High School in 1952. He completed his undergraduate work at Emory University, attended Emory Medical School, graduating in 1959, followed by internship at Grady Memorial Hospital and the VA Hospital in Atlanta. Dr. Finney completed his residency in Ophthalmology at Talmadge Memorial Hospital in Augusta, GA. In 1962, at the age of 28, he began his Ophthalmology practice in Albany and later served as chairman of the board of Palmyra Park Hospital. Dr. Finney received an MBA degree from Emory in 1980. In 1968 he started his first farming operation, known as ToLee Plantation. Dr. Finney owned a pecan shelling plant in Hawkinsville, GA and for many years was on the board of the National Pecan Marketing Association. He was president of the Georgia Pecan Grows Association in 1980. In addition, Dr. Finney owned two different radio stations in Albany. After retiring from farming, he opened his wellness center. He enjoyed gardening, especially roses; running, having completed one marathon; wood working, and hiking in the mountains at their mountain home in Sapphire, NC. He was an avid reader and enjoyed writing. His favorite poem was "If" by Rudyard Kipling. Dr. Finney was a private pilot with an instrument rating. He enjoyed his friends and having house parties at their mountain home in North Carolina and at their beach home in Santa Rosa Beach, FL. Dr. Finney was Youth Governor of the YMCA 7th. Youth Assembly in 1951. There will be a memorial service for Dr. Finney in Sapphire, NC Labor Day weekend. Dr. Finney was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Jimmy Finney and Dr. Ralph Finney, Jr. Dr. Finney is survived by his loving wife of 46 years: Charlie Nixon Finney; daughter: Anne Finney Dekle (Clyde); son: Fred T. Finney (Debbie); daughter: Evelyn Finney Coursey (Tony); daughter: Angela R. Finney; 8 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; house nurse: Dora Stephens; dear friends: Marilyne Moore and James Purvis. Those desiring may send memorials to Willson Hospice House, 320 Foundation Ln., Albany, GA 31707, or to Covenant Presbyterian Church, 2126 W. Edgewater Dr., Albany, GA 31707.

Charles E. Finney, MD Obituary

June 12, 1934 - August 11, 2012