John Oliver Finlay, age 64, from Pelham, originally from Goshen, died Monday, April 21st in Atlanta, after an extensive and brave battle with cancer. Visitation will be Thursday, April 24th from 1 – 3 at Dillard Funeral Home in Troy with funeral services at 3:00 with Pastor Buddy Gray officiating. Burial will be at Green Hills Cemetery. John was preceded in death by his parents, H. D. and Aylor Elizabeth Townsend Finlay; the wife of his first marriage, Linda Faye Jackson Finlay; an infant brother; and his brother-in-law, William Dorrill. He is survived by a daughter, Haley Elizabeth Finlay of Homewood and her fiancée Dustin Hammond; sister, Sarah Elizabeth Dorrill, Sarasota, FL; brothers: Hugh (Mildred) Finlay of Troy; Bill (Lois) Finlay of Troy; and Jim (Carla) Finlay of Duluth, GA. Also 6 nephews, 2 nieces; 8 great nephews, 7 great nieces and 2 great, great nephews; and a host of other family and friends. Nephews will serve as pall bearers.

John was an active member of Hunter Street Baptist Church in Hoover. He retired as Vice Principal at Homewood High School after many years as a very respected educator. He loved outdoor activities and was an avid fisherman. The family requests that in lieu of flowers donations be made to a church mission that was dear to his heart: Master Bass Club,% Hunter Street Baptist Church, 2600 John Hawkins Parkway, Hoover, AL 35244 or Homewood High School Music Dept., 1901 South Lakeshore, Dr. Homewood, AL 35205.

Please visit our webesite at www.dillardfh.com to sign the online guestbook.