Finch, John E.

3/22/2014

APRIL 10, 1962 – MARCH 22, 2014

Favorite Scripture: II Corinthians 5:7-8 . . .for we walk by faith, not by sight. Yes, we do have confidence, and we
would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord

Rev. John E. Finch, Jr. was born April 10, 1962 in Shreveport, LA and died March 22, 2014. He was a liver
transplant recipient in 2001. He received his liver on his birthday, which happened to be on Good Friday. He also
survived cancer treatment in 2009. He credited his continued life to God’s grace and mercy. After his transplant he
dedicated his life to Christ.

He moved to north central Louisiana in his early twenties. He and his first wife Debbie Holland Finch raised four
children. Nine weeks before his death he was thrilled to welcome Eli Tait Butler to the family. He is the first child of
Jessica and Dexter Butler.

His passion was to share Christ‘s love with each person who crossed his path. He often did so with his light-hearted
and rascally sense of humor. People were always left smiling when he had been near. John’s ability to recognize that
a person was hurting from just a brief encounter enabled him to pray mightily for those he met. Convenience stores,
retail counters and office desks transformed into holy ground when he prayed. Many people were ministered to in an
unassuming manner while John was out and about simply running errands.

Fishing and boating were vital to his soul. His deepest desire was to be out on the lake catching catfish and brim.
Musical expression touched him deeply, so he was learning to play the guitar. He resonated with the angst of heavy
metal music and listened to it often.

Reverend Finch was pastor of Clay United Methodist Church. He served as a volunteer for Kairos Prison Ministry,
Epiphany Prison Ministry, Walk to Emmaus and Grace Camps. He was a loving Dad and amazing cook. When his
wife of 27 years, Debbie, died, he had too much love to share to stay alone. He and Edie were married about nine
months before his death.

Reverend Finch is survived by his wife, Edie DeVilbiss Finch of Simsboro; daughters, Jessica Butler and husband
Dexter of Simsboro, Courtney Finch of Simsboro; son, John Thornhill of TN; step-children, Shelby Holland and
wife Janette of Castor, Mindy Bryant of Simsboro; sister, Theresa Finch of San Antonio, TX; aunt, Penny Dirago of
San Antonio, TX; 7 grandchildren, Tyler, Haylie, Dakota, Destiney, Hayley, Britany and Eli. In his marriage to
Edie, he had just taken on the role of step-dad to her son Rick (Melissa), and daughters Shauna (Frankie) and
Elinore (Spencer). He was delighted to fill in as grandpa to Ethan, Lily, Frank and Bailey.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John E. and Mary (Launius) Finch; first wife, Debra Finch.