Dr. H.E. Finley
Westminster- Dr. H.E. Finley, 82, beloved father and “Pop” entered the arms of Jesus and reunited with, Lois, his high school sweetheart of 51 years on June 7th, 2024.
He is now “Cracking Backs” in Heaven and celebrating on the streets of gold with Lois and his beloved daughter Laura “Belle”. He was born in Sandy Springs, South Carolina to the late Frances and Seaborn Finley. He learned early in life that he wanted to become a chiropractor after witnessing his mother receive chiropractic care. After graduating from Stephens County High School , he married Lois Sheriff Finley and they embarked on a journey to Davenport, Iowa, to begin his education. He graduated from Palmer Chiropractic College, 2nd in his class in 1964. He then began his practice in Anderson, South Carolina, and later settled in Westminster, South Carolina, he served his community as an active chiropractor for almost 60 years. His “calling” was caring for others and he used his skilled hands to change the lives of thousands of people, with his notorious whistle that made them feel right at home. He also served his community in many ways, as Mayor of Westminster, a City Council Member, served on the Oconee County School Board, was a lifelong Rotarian and a Shriner for over 5o years. He was a State Constable for 40 plus years, served as the team “Doc” for the Westminster area football teams, and a volunteer fireman for many years. His love for gardening led to his certification as a Master Gardener through Clemson University.
Daddy never met a seed he couldn’t produce a delicious tomato from, or a plant he couldn’t bring to life. He shared his annual harvest with his family and friends. This included the sweetest berries from the Finley Blueberry Patch. He had an inquisitive mind that allowed him to fix anything broken and correctly answer his favorite Jeopardy questions. He had a great passion for fishing and shared that passion with family and friends, by taking them on multiple fishing trips over the years.
He will be greatly missed by his daughters, Natalie Barrett and husband Gresham Barrett, Leslie Blackwell and husband Rev. Vic Blackwell, Leigh Wright and husband Marty of Wright, Dr. Rhonda Finley and husband Rev. Julian Elrod all of Westminster. Those who called him “Pop” were his grandchildren, Austin Blackwell (Jessica), Andrew Blackwell (Toni), Evan Blackwell (Leah), Madison Barrett (Buba), Jeb Barrett, Ross Barrett (Jordyn), Jordan Bloomingdale (Darian), Rebecca Bailey (Spencer), English Lewis (Houston), Hayden Wright, Jayce Elrod (MaryBeth), Braden Elrod (Ava-Grace); and thirteen great grandchildren and two on the way.
He is survived by his brother, Clemeth Finley (Orene) of Toccoa, GA, sister, Aundria Evans of Toccoa, GA; son-in law, Dr. Steve Bloomingdale of Toccoa, GA, and many beloved nieces and nephews.
Those preceded in death, in addition to his parents, and his beloved wife Lois, are a daughter Dr. Laura Finley; brothers, Lloyd Finley, Morris Finley, Charles Finley, and Felix Finley; and sisters, Madge Hart and Evelyn Bost.
A Funeral Service will be held 11:00 am, Monday, June 10th, 2024, at Calvary Church with entombment to follow at Heritage Memorial Gardens Mausoleum. The family will receive friends 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm, Sunday, June 9th, 2024 at Sandifer Funeral Home.
The family would like to thank his dedicated caregivers, Alicia, Bonnie, Kylee, Candace, Ava-Grace, Megan, Cassandra, Cathy and Judy who so lovingly cared for Dad and as well as the caring and loving staff at the Cottingham Hospice House.
The family is at the home of H.E. Finley, 2151 West Oak Highway, Westminster, SC, 29693. Flowers are accepted or memorials in memory of Dr. Finley are to be made to Calvary Church, building fund, 155 Maxim Drive, Westminster. A message of condolence may be expressed online by visiting www.sandiferfuneralhome.com.