Mike Finley, age 73, of Selmer, Tennessee, passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, July 28, 2026.
Born on August 3, 1952, in Adamsville, Tennessee, Mike was the son of the late Joel Gilbert Finley and Mary Ann Martin Finley. As the youngest of twelve children, he learned early how to hold his own and was never at a loss for stories—or an opinion.
On March 15, 1979, Mike married the love of his life, Jackie Leonard. Together they shared 47 wonderful years of marriage, building a home filled with love, laughter, and unwavering devotion to one another.
Mike dedicated 23 years of his career to millwork at Great Homes Gallery-Windows-Door. After retiring, he wasn’t quite ready to slow down. In 2010, he began a second career with Shackelford Funeral Directors in Selmer, where he found purpose in serving families with compassion and kindness. He often said how much he enjoyed working there and the friendships he made along the way. He retired for the second and final time in 2024 because of health reasons.
Mike had a gift for making people feel like old friends. He never met a stranger, and it seemed that no matter where he traveled, he could always find someone he knew—or someone who knew somebody he knew. He genuinely loved being around people, and a crowd simply meant more opportunities for conversation.
An avid sports fan, Mike faithfully cheered for the St. Louis Cardinals and rarely missed a good basketball or football game. He cherished fishing trips with his son and brothers, enjoyed traveling with family and friends, and took great pride in keeping his yard looking its best.
Those closest to Mike knew he had an undeniable sweet tooth. Mounds, Almond Joy, Milky Way, and 3 Musketeers candy bars never stood much of a chance once they were within his reach.
While he loved sports, fishing, travel, and visiting with friends, nothing compared to the joy he found in being “Papaw.” His granddaughter, Anne Elizabeth, was the center of his world. He wore that title with pride and never missed an opportunity to brag about her.
Mike was a faithful member of First Baptist Church in Selmer, where his faith remained an important part of his life.
He leaves behind his beloved wife, Jackie Finley of Selmer; his son, Derek Finley and wife Rachel of Spring Hill; his treasured granddaughter, Anne Elizabeth Finley; and many extended family members and friends whose lives were enriched by knowing him.
In addition to his parents, Mike was preceded in death by seven brothers: J.C., Dearl, Edwin, Eugene, Jerry, Larry, and James Finley; and four sisters: Imogene Smothers, Ruby Weeks, Arlene Harris, and Faye Weeks.
The family extends their heartfelt appreciation to their dear friends, Nelson and Donna Siler, J.D. and Brenda Matlock, and Jim and Shelia Reynolds, whose love and support meant so much. They also offer sincere thanks to the compassionate caregivers at Legacy Hospice for the kindness and exceptional care they provided Mike.
Mike will be remembered for his servant’s heart, his quick smile, his love for people, and his ability to make almost anywhere feel like a hometown reunion. He lived a life marked by faith, hard work, loyalty, and love for his family. Although he will be deeply missed, those who knew him can smile knowing he never passed up a chance to enjoy a good conversation, cheer on the Cardinals, spoil his granddaughter, or reach for one more candy bar.
Memorials may be made to: Vanderbilt Lung Institute, ATTN: ILD Research, 719 Thompson Lane Suite 20300, Nashville TN 37204.
