Tommy Finley, 79, of Marshall, Texas, passed away on May 21, 2026, at his home.

Tommy was born on July 22, 1946, in Marshall, Texas, to James Paul Finley and Martha Hatton Finley.

Tommy proudly served his country in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War. He was known for his quick wit, his love of golf and cards, and the way he could make people laugh with his sense of humor. He treasured time spent with family and friends and made lasting memories with those he loved most.

Tommy will be remembered as the founder of the Tracy Finley Memorial, held each year at Oak Lawn Golf Course, an event that became so meaningful to so many in the community.

He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Linda Jones Finley; his son, Ronnie Finley and wife Debra; his daughters, Paula Heath and husband Steve, and Marti Weaver and boyfriend Jesse Gutierrez.

He is also survived by his grandchildren: Britny Blackburn and husband Joe, Ashley Roman and husband Tim, Clay Heath and wife Becky, Whitny Fortenberry and husband Mike, Kristen Heath, Lynsey DeLeon and husband DeAngelo, Hailey Finley, Brooke Weaver and fiancé Stephen, and Blake Weaver and girlfriend Charlie.

He is further survived by his great-grandchildren: Kaleb Roman, Matthew Heath, Hannah Blackburn, Elsa Fortenberry, Addison Roman, Brayden Finley, Madison Blackburn, Paisley Finley, Allen Blackburn, Ravenna Kramer, Remington Weaver, and Beau Kramer.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James Paul Finley and Martha Hatton Finley; his beloved son, Tracy Finley; his brothers, Hugh “Paul” Finley and Charles Finley; and his sisters-in-law, Glenda Finley and Kathryn Finley.

Pallbearers will be Clay Heath, Jesse Gutierrez, Mike Fortenberry, Joe Blackburn, Brayden Finley, Kaleb Roman, and Beau Kramer. Honorary pallbearers will be his Oak Lawn Golf Buddies.

The family will receive friends for visitation on Friday from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Downs Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday at 2:00 p.m. at Downs Funeral Home, with burial to follow at Yates Cemetery in Scottsville.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the Tracy Finley Memorial, a cause that was especially close to Tommy’s heart. Contributions will help continue the legacy he established through the annual Tracy Finley Memorial Golf Tournament and honor the memory of his beloved son, Tracy.

Tommy’s family will forever cherish the memories, laughter, and love he shared throughout his life. His legacy lives on through his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and the many friends whose lives he touched through his kindness, humor, and love of family, golf, and fellowship.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” — Matthew 25:23

https://www.downsfuneralhome.com/obituary/tommy-finley?fh_id=15853