Ben Finger

Ben Finger of Friendsville died Saturday, May 16, 2009 at home with his wife and family at his side. He was born May 23, 1927 in Blount County, the next to the youngest of 8 children. He was preceded in death by his parents, Luther and Hattie Purkey Finger; two toddler sisters, Edna Finger and Ruth Finger; brother and sister-in-law, Gordon and Mary Graves Finger; sister and brother-in-law, Daisy and Raymond Graves; brother, Burl Finger; brother and sister-in-law, Max and Mary Etta Harmon Finger; nephews, L.H. Graves and Richard Finger; nieces, Joan Finger Hipps and Dorothy Graves Beasley; parents-in-law, Joe and Ada Johnson Guider; step father-in-law, Richard Endsley; brothers-in-law, Charles Guider and Edward Gregory; sister-in-law, Jean Guider. He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Reba Guider Finger and their children, daughters and sons-in-law, Connie and Cliff Marcev of Richmond, VA, Janie and Dexter Harvey of Kingsport, TN, Sheila and Rocky Anderson of Greenback; son and daughter-in-law, Mark and Missy Jeffries Finger of Friendsville; eight grandchildren, Jessica and Katie Marcev, Deryk and Shane (Heather) Harvey, Alex (Jessica) Anderson, Billy (Miranda) Anderson, Leah and Jake Finger; two great grandsons, Dylen and Maison Harvey; two unborn grandchildren, Emma and Tate Anderson; Sister & Brother-in-law, Maude Finger Bivens & husband Elden of Friendsville; Sister-in-law, Agnes Jenkins Finger; Brothers-in-law and Sisters-in-law, Ralph & Pat Guider, Reece and Edith Gregory Lynn, Alan & Joyce Guider Ball, Jimmy & Mary Ruth Guider, Jerry & Phyllis Masingo, and Dickie & Mary Jo Woods; several dear nieces and nephews, extended families, and friends. Ben Finger was a witty, generous kind man who loved his life and lived with great determination. He was blessed with the ability to remember events, dates, and details. He attended Friendsville High School, served in the Navy from 1945-1949. He became a member of the Alcoa 25 Year Club in 1977 and retired in 1989 with 41 years of service. He attended Unitia Holiness Church serving as treasurer for 30 years. Ben bravely dealt with Pulmonary Fibrosis and daily showed determination and great faith. The family extends thanks to all family, friends, Dr. Paul Branca and Associates of University Pulmonary, Blount Memorial Pulmonary Rehab, Staff 9th floor of UT Hospital, Respiratory therapists and staff of Hillcrest of Knoxville, (2006), Ben loved you and credited you for helping him return to home to enjoy almost 3 more years, UT Hospice nurses and staff. Special thanks to Frances Williams, and Hospice Volunteer, Angel. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Unitia Holiness Church or Unitia Cemetery Perpetual Fund. The funeral service will be at 7:00pm on Tuesday, May 19, 2009 in Smith's Trinity Chapel with Rev. Jimmy Guider, Rev. Gene Honeycutt, and Carl Guider officiating. The interment will be at 2:30pm, Wednesday, May 20, 2009 at Unitia Cemetery, immediately following a viewing at the church from 1:00pm until 2:00pm. The family will receive friends from 5:00 pm until 7:00pm, Tuesday, May 19, 2009 in Smith's Trinity Chapel. Arrangements by Smith Funeral & Cremation Service, 865-983-1000. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Ben Finger please visit our Sympathy Store.