Tommy Finch
Tommy Finch, 82, a beloved father, husband and former Gibson County Commissioner, passed away at Jackson-Madison County General Hospital after a long illness on January 29, 2025.
Mr. Finch was born on October 27, 1942 in Dyer, Tenn. to Gerald and Elaine (Alford) Finch.
He was the grandson of Kelly and Luna Mae Finch of Currie, and Raz and Roonie Alford of Rutherford. Mr. Finch grew up in Dyer and graduated from Dyer High School.
Hailing from a family with a longtime farming heritage, Mr. Finch continued that tradition until his retirement in 2015. While managing his farming operation, he also served his community by representing them for 20 years on the Gibson County Commission. During his time as a commissioner, he worked diligently in the oversight of the county’s budget, which helped make Gibson County one of the best managed counties in Tennessee at that time.
Known for his generosity to the community, each year Mr. Finch planted patches of sweet corn, watermelons, purple hull peas and/or greens patches on his farm for all to enjoy. An early supporter of Gibson County High School, he donated land from his farm for part of the school’s campus. He also donated the excavation work and sod for the original GCHS football field. Additionally, he was a longtime Memphis Tigers fan and annual season ticket-holder.
Mr. Finch is preceded in death by his father, Gerald Finch; and mother, Elaine Finch.
He is survived by wife, Reba (Dabbs); his two sons from his first marriage, Jamie Finch of Washington, DC, and Clint Finch of Chicago, Ill.; his brother, Jack Finch of Trenton, Tenn.; and his sister, Isonia (Finch) McLean of Blue Springs, Miss.; and many nieces, nephews, friends and loved ones throughout Gibson County and beyond.
Mr. Finch and Reba were members of New Bethlehem Baptist Church in Dyer, Tennessee.
Services were held at New Bethlehem Baptist Church in Dyer on Sunday, February 2, 2025. Visitation was held between 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., with funeral services to begin at 3 p.m.. Bro. John Coleman officiated, with Karnes & Sons Funeral Home overseeing the arrangements. Following services, Mr. Finch was laid to rest at Oakwood Cemetery in Dyer.
Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital or to a charity of your choice.
