William Wesley Finch SR, 82, went home to be with Jesus on June 30, 2024.
Wesley was born to Dewie and Dessie Finch in Bessemer, AL on August 6, 1941.
Wesley was preceded in death by his parents Dewey and Dessie Finch, his six siblings, and his
beloved grandson Brannon Patterson. Wesley is survived by his wife of 55 years Portia Marcum Finch and his children William Wesley
“Billy” Finch JR. and Heather (John) Sims. His grandchildren Payton Sims (Matthew), Tristen
William Finch, Brooklyn Sophia Dunn (Ryan) and his latest great joy great granddaughter Magnolia
Lillith Dunn. Sister-in-laws Cindy (Rick) Davis and Debra Canterberry. Niece Sandra (YC) Taylor and
a host of nieces and nephews. Wesley was a quiet, gentle and determined man. He loved music from Meatloaf , 1812 Overture to
hymns. He spent Nine and a half years in the US NAVY as an airplane mechanic.
He was an avid reader and a quiet intelligent observer of the world around him. He loved to help in
the homeless community before his illness. He could build a sailboat, a crazy red biplane in the back yard or a large family home. He had the
vision to see the potential in space and make it more functional and beautiful. He loved watching his nephews Ford and Eli Davis grow up and made-up songs to sing to those adored boys. He enjoyed a special trip to Sea World with Beau Canterberry.
This quiet, gentle man worked for 30 years as a coal miner. At times, while working six days a week
he built a wonderful family home which provided shelter for so many people. He spent countless hours watching his grandchildren on his property and loved the thousands of times a day he heard “Pops, Watch this”. He was an extraordinary grandparent who spent his days
doting on his grandchildren. He drove to Atlanta for years for his boys. He was the first in the car line to pick up the girls. He made countless ice cream, Lowes runs and camping trips enormous fun.
We would love to thank the entire community of Creekside Athens apartments for welcoming,
loving and caring for Wesley and Portia during this time. Sonja and Eli have gone above and beyond
to help during this most difficult time.
The family would also like to thank Dr. Daniel Schreeder , Melanie, Mia and the staff at CCI for their
care during cancer treatment.
We would also like to express our most sincere thank you to Johnna, Renee, Tony, Jake and Keith at
Hospice of North Alabama for their help and support during the last 8 months. We are grateful for
their support and care. Each of these precious caregivers met a need in our lives in a very special
way.
Funeral Services for Wesley will be held at the National Cemetery in Montevallo. AL July 5, 2024 at
9:30 am. In lieu of flowers the family request donations be made to St. Jude or Kids to Love
Madison, AL.
