Willie "Dap" Finney, Sr.

With hearts both heavy and grateful, we celebrate the incredible life of Willie Finney, Sr., affectionately known as “Dap” and “Buddy” by some, a man of unwavering dedication, kindness, and quiet strength. Born on June 23, 1941, in Haddock, Georgia, Willie was the beloved son of Willie Mae and Elbert Finney.

From an early age, he embodied the values of hard work, perseverance, and family devotion, leaving behind a legacy of love and resilience. Willie was educated in the Jones County school system and graduated from Maggie Califf High School in 1959. He went on to dedicate over 40 years of service to Keebler, where his steadfast work ethic and commitment earned him the respect of colleagues and friends. His dedication to his career mirrored the loyalty and love he extended to those closest to him, always leading with quiet wisdom and a generous heart.

In 1996, he married the love of his life, Elnora Green and they shared over 30 blissful years together.

Beyond his work, Willie found immense joy in sports. A true enthusiast, he loved watching all sports, but nothing thrilled him more than golf and NASCAR.

Willie leaves behind a devoted and loving family who will cherish his memory forever:  his loving wife, Elnora Green Finney; his son, Willie James Finney, Jr.; his daughters, Therese Hollingshed and Stacie Dumas; his step-sons, Kendall (Tamblyn) Green and Vincent Kelly Sr.; and his siblings, Bettie (Eddie) Lamar of Macon, GA, Patrick (Denise) Finney of Augusta, GA, Leroy Finney of Ft. Pierce, FL, and Johnny Finney of Milledgeville, GA and a host of grandchildren. In-Laws: Bernice (Charles) Peek, Stafford Green of Macon, GA, Allen (Carolyn) Green of Columbia, SC, and Mary Green of Conyers, GA. Rest easy, Willie—you will forever remain in our hearts, as steady and strong as the roar of an engine on race day.

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