Robert Finley

Robert L. Finley, Sr., 89, of Cleveland, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on March 2, 2025. Born on August 22, 1935, in Dunlap, Tennessee, Robert was the son of the late Carl and Nellie Frizzell Finley of Niota, Tennessee.

Robert was a loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 42 years, Mary M. Finley, who passed away in November, 2022. He was also preceded in death by his siblings, Martha Ann Barnes and Patricia Miller; bonus daughter, Margaret C. Maynard; and several other family members.

He is survived by his children: daughter, Darlene (Steve) Capps of Cleveland; son, Robert L. Finley, Jr. (Gail) of Athens; daughter, Laraine (Benny) Hayslett of Sparta, NC; son, Ralph Finley of Delano, TN; and his bonus daughter and caregiver, Martha Calfee of Cleveland. Robert also leaves behind his brother, Darrell (Janice) Finley of Niota and son-in-law, Chip Maynard of Mt. Juliet, TN.

Robert was a grandfather to eight grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brothers-in-law, Charles (Bobbie) McClure of Delano, Clarence (Patsy) McClure of Benton, and his sister-in-law, Ruth Ann (Jackie) Kersey of Cleveland. He had many nieces and nephews.

Born in Dunlap, but raised in Niota, Robert lived in Niota and Athens before settling in Cleveland for the past 50 years. He dedicated over 26 years to the Tennessee Army National Guard, earning the rank of retired Master Sergeant. In addition to his military service, he worked as a glazer, installing and repairing windows in homes and businesses throughout the Cleveland area.

Robert loved the outdoors and took great pride in his yard, enjoying every opportunity to mow and keep it neat. His family remembers him for his hard work, dedication, and love for those closest to him.

Honorary pallbearers include: Chip Maynard, Charles McClure, Clarence McClure, Jackie Kersey, Greg Paxton, Will Paxton, John Kincaid, Paul Hall, Mark Freeman, Claude Mowery, and grandsons: Mark Chouinard, Chris and Joe Everhart, Justin and Nick Finley, Parker Cass, and Richard Maynard.

Visitation will be held at Companion Funeral Home Cleveland Chapel on Saturday, March 8th, 2025, from 10:00 am to 11:30 am. A graveside service will follow at 12:00 pm at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Cure Alzheimer's Fund, 34 Washington St., Suite 310, Wellesley Hills, MA 02481. https://curealz.org/

Robert's family would like to express their deepest gratitude to everyone who has supported them during this difficult time. Special thanks are extended to Home Helpers of Cleveland, Hospice of Chattanooga (Athens Office), and TerraBella of Athens. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.