William Harrison "Bill" Finley

Bill was born in Danvers, Massachusetts, March 15, 1934, son of the late Harrison Shaw Finley and Mildred Withrow Finley. Bill graduated from Holten high school and went on to study music with a BA from University of Massachusetts - Amherst, graduating in 1956. He first became acquainted with the love of his life Marge through a pen pal listing in Highlights magazine while they were elementary students. Marge lived in Pennsylvania and Bill in Massachusetts. Thus began a long pen pal correspondence. After college Bill was driving to an interview at a divinity school in Ohio and decided to stop along the way to meet his long-time pen pal for the first time at her college in Pennsylvania. He never made it to Ohio.

Bill served in the Army as an MP before teaching high school music. While teaching, it was suggested he look into the fledging computers industry. Thus began a long career in computer hardware and software. After retiring, Bill and Marge opened two Gloria Jean coffee shops in the Washington metro area. Bill and Marge settled into a happy and fulfilling second retirement in the St. James community on the North Carolina shore where they made many new friends. Bill loved the Boston Red Sox, reading, birdwatching, gardening, sharing stories with his dry sense of humor, opera, hiking, the coast of Maine, and anytime he was with his family.

Left to cherish his memory is his beloved wife of 66 years, Marge; two daughters, Meg Flournoy and husband Wayne, and Rebecca Witko and husband Chris. Also, four grandchildren, Mark Flournoy and wife Molly, Paul Flournoy and fiancée Whatley, Sarah Witko, and Rachel Witko; two sisters, Patricia Lehmann and Barbara Fennelly and niece Jill Crow and nephew Wil Hufton.

The family would like to especially thank the volunteers with NEST, and Gentiva hospice nurses Mandy and Savannah.

A celebration of his life will be held at the beach on Oak Island, by the water he so loved.

Memorial contributions may be made to NEST of St. James, NC (www.sinest.org), Opera Wilmington (www.operawilmington.org), or Hospice.

Online condolences may be made at www.peacocknewnamwhite.com.

Peacock - Newnam & White Funeral and Cremation Service, Southport, North Carolina.