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Life Story

"Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." ~Proverbs 3:5-6

Known lovingly as Daddy Bob, Uncle Bobby and Grandfather, ROBERT AMOS FINLEY departed this life on April 30, 2021 as he lived it - quietly, with family, full of faith.

He was born on January 6, 1945, the only child of Robert and Birdie Brown Finley. Young Robert’s life centered around school, family and church. He attended early morning prayer services with his Dad, recited Christmas and Easter speeches in “short pants” and traveled to sister churches. He learned early on the importance of being obedient to parents, living a Holy life and serving God’s people. With his parents, Robert enjoyed hosting church convention delegates in their home, including young Rev. Samuel Cofer, Sr. and his wife Rose. Many years later Elder Cofer would become his pastor and brother-in-law.

Blessed with a community of loving family nearby including older siblings from his father, Robert attended Atlanta Public Schools. He graduated from Washington High School where he played trumpet in the marching band and discovered a love for accounting. After an initial semester at Morehouse College, Robert spent one summer as a golf caddy with his childhood buddy Claude Boyd before striking off to fulfill his dream: earning a B.S in Accounting at Hampton University. He completed an internship in Connecticut, impressing his host family by cleaning their house top to bottom every Saturday to thank them for their generosity.

Robert’s scholarship and experience earned him a coveted first job as a staff accountant at IBM, one of the world’s largest employers. He married and settled in White Plains, New York. Robert completed basic training and served in the U.S. Air Force Reserves. Later, he returned to Atlanta, where he rededicated himself to his home church when he fell in love and married Regina Finley. They enjoyed traveling and serving the Lord together. And he discovered a new love: becoming a devoted father to their daughter Tracie.

Robert’s unassuming manner stood in contrast to his professional achievements. He was an entrepreneur and financial executive for numerous companies, including the Shenandoah, Georgia development and Southwest Hospital.

He spent many years as Vice President of Finance for H.J. Russell & Company, the nation’s largest Black-owned construction firm. Robert’s duties included managing finances for more than a dozen construction, real estate development and property management divisions.

Many people never knew that God allowed Robert to manage multi-million dollar projects and work with top CEOs, politicians and civil rights leaders - while remaining humble and true to his roots in Holiness. Lessons learned in Sunshine Band were the foundation for his professional success.

Robert loved helping people. He secured jobs for church youth, sang in the Bethlehem Atlanta choir and Male Chorus, spoke on Youth Days, served on the baptism committee and worked diligently with the local chapter of the National Youth Auxiliary. He spent a decade cooking and cleaning chicken in the church kitchen for hundreds of delegates.

In 1996, Robert and Regina moved to the Washington, D.C. area where they lovingly cared for his mother Birdie until her death in 2006. He worked in accounting and property management, and prepared taxes. He faithfully served Bethlehem Washington as a praying brother, frequent devotional service leader, member of the Mass Choir and Male Chorus, tax consultant, baptism committee and Sunday School scholar. A student of history and Holiness, he enjoyed Men's Bible Study and looked forward to cleaning the church every week with his grandson.

Robert LOVED his family, especially his daughter and grandchildren. For school programs, birthday celebrations, travel - he was always there with Godly wisdom, generously and quietly supporting with a big smile.

For 76 years, Robert quietly impacted the world around him with a sweet and gentle spirit. He left a clear and distinct legacy for his family: love God, do His Will, serve His people. As his favorite testimony song says, he has found his joyful song.

Robert is preceded in death by his parents and siblings

Ochelle Favors, Frances Fuller, Missionary Katherine F. C. Cofer and Elder James W. Finley. He is lovingly remembered by Regina; his devoted and loving daughter

Tracie (Rev. Derek Potts); grandchildren Jessica, Anna, and Derek Andrew; great-grandchildren Jayden and Cali; brother-in-law Eddie (Phyllis) Faulk; Godchildren Norman

H. Ross, Jr., Rev. John (Christy) Taylor, Annessia

Alexander, and MaranaSue Keith; God sister Deborah Gooch; dear friends Claude Boyd, Norman Ross and Charles Stevens; nieces, nephews and cousins from the Finley, Brown and Faulk families; other relatives, friends, coworkers and church family.

OrderofService

Elder Samuel B. Cofer, Sr., Officiating Bethlehem Church of God Holiness ~ Washington, D.C. 20011

Processional

Invocation............................................................................................. Reverend Matthew James

Scripture Reading................................................................................ Reverend Matthew James

Life Story .................................................................................................................... Read Silently

Church Paper/ Acknowledgments Mrs. Sina James

Selection ~ “Just A Closer Walk With Thee” ................................................. Mrs. Michelle Cade

Reflections (3 minutes) .........................................................Mrs. Paula Wade, longtime friend

Mr. Eddie Faulk, brother-in-law

Mr. Derek Andrew Potts, grandson Elder Samuel B. Cofer, Sr., Pastor

Selection ~ “So You Would Know” .............................................................. Mr. Charles Stevens

Eulogy.....................................................................................................Elder Alvarado Williams

Benediction

Recessional ~ “I Have Found A Joyful Song”...........................................................Congregation

George Washington Cemetery 9500 Riggs Road |Adelphi, Maryland 20783

MemorableTributes

Bobby is my lifelong buddy. We go WAY back. It was a joy having him as a friend. He stayed in my house anytime he wanted to. He had a key. He didn’t have to ask. He could just come on in.

One summer we worked at a resort. We controlled the swimming pool. We almost blew the place up. I was turning knobs and didn’t know what I was doing and the tank got so hot. We had a good time though. We had season tickets for the Hawks. We had season tickets for the Falcons. We had so many good times together. I appreciated him. We had some long talks and we spent a lot of time together. I will miss him. I will always miss him.

~ Your oldest friend

Claude Boyd

Bobby was one of my best friends. He was 3 years older than me and lived one block up the street from my house. Bobby was good at everything we did. We played sports games in our backyards. We played electronic football games in our houses and he always won. We raced on roller skates and bikes and he always won. After the matches, he always coached me on what I needed to do to improve. He also encouraged me to stay academically focused.

As he left to attend Hampton Institute, he told me what I needed to do to prepare for college. He told me he was planning to major in accounting and become a CPA. He advised me that this was the best career path for me to pursue. I always followed Bobby’s guidance. Three years later I enrolled in Georgia State University and majored in accounting. Like Bobby, I graduated with a degree in accounting and retired 12 years ago. He was my role model who led me to a successful life and career. I will always remember, appreciate and be very thankful to Bobby for his guidance and influence on my life.

~ Chuck “Sonny” Rowell, childhood friend

Brother Robert Finley, affectionately called: Bro. Bob Finley, left his mark and favorable impression on the Headquarters chapter on the National Youth Auxiliary of the National Convention of the Churches of God Holiness, USA product of Atlanta, GA. He worked along with other staff members of the auxiliary’s Planning and Executive Committee. His mild mannered, easy going demeanor might have allowed some to miss his finer professionalism and notable accomplishments. We certainly miss him and we pray for the family.

~Elder Carter T. Peek

Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints - Ps 116:15

Robert A. Finley (Bobby) was a dear and precious saint. He was my dear and precious uncle. He was quiet and peaceable but had a commitment to Holiness. He was not one to say one thing in testimony but showed us how to live the life of True Holiness. I remember once in testimony service he remarked how as a young man Holiness was not in him. However, he went on to say that he found out later that it pays to serve God.

Bobby had a beautiful baritone voice which he used often in the services. What impressed me mostly when he sang, from the heart, is that he made you listen not just to the music but the words; you could feel the deep sincerity with each word. One of Bobby’s favorite songs “Have You Got Your Ticket”; well he had his ticket and it was valid on Friday, April 30th and God’s angel asked him to step onboard, it was time to go home. Rest on Dear Bobby, maybe someday we will all have a ‘ticket.’

Elder Robert L. Copeland, nephew

I honor and respect the life of Brother Robert Finley, however on a personal note, he was fondly known to me as "Uncle Bob." Some years ago he adopted me as his special nephew. There are so many wonderful memories and unforgettable moments from the times we were able to fellowship at various church events. I have always admired his quiet demeanor and have never witnessed him being upset. Rather, he seemly adopted had an "always" attitudeALWAYS equipped with an listening ear and ALWAYS willing to help, advise and encourage. Uncle Bob was a living example of the fruit of the Spirit and was truly a modern-day role model who exemplified Christ. I thank the Lord and will always cherish his prayers for me over the years. I aspire to be a strong, loving, concerned father just like Uncle Bob. With sincere condolences, Elder Dennis Parks ~ Los Angeles, CA

I will always remember my Godfather, “Daddy Bob.” He was a mild mannered, laid back, and loving man who loved God and his family. One of my fondest memories is of when he and “Mama Gina” took me to New York to see my favorite showThe Phantom of the Opera - on Broadway. The road trip, site seeing, and the time we were able to spend together are truly memories I will forever cherish. I thank God for all of the holy men like my Godfather that he put in my life as true examples of what I should be. I love you Daddy Bob!

~Your Godson, Rev. John C. Taylor

Bobby . . . my uncle, but more like my brother when I was growing up because he was always there to “pal around with” and uncles aren’t. Upon graduation from high school, he attended Morehouse College. Being quiet in nature, he did not tell his parents he really wanted to attend Hampton Institute in Virginia. Ends up, he didn’t like “the House” enough to continue after one semester and finally let his wish to attend Hampton be known. I was heartbroken. Bobby was leaving Atlanta. Though distance separated us, he always remained in my heart. His quiet, easygoing nature, strength of character and that one-of-a kind dimple in his right cheek is how I will always fondly remember Bobby.

~

Your niece Ann Finley

Dear Grandfather, I will forever cherish the time we spent together. You and I had so many iconic moments that’s I would kill just to have one more time. We were more than just grandfather and grandson we were buddies. Nobody can replace your kind, calm, and loving spirit. Your presence alone brought positivity to every room you walked in. I love you and I will miss you.

~Andrew (Pup)

Grandfather, I secretly called you my little hermit crab. I didn’t tell you as often as I should that I love you and I appreciate you being in my corner. Thank you for all of those trips to McDonalds after school, and teaching me how to tell time in elementary school - to this day I’ve never forgotten. I’m going to miss making Thanksgiving & Christmas dinner with you. I’m going to miss laughing with you. We made the best team washing the dishes, and you knew good and well I didn’t want to wash them. Thank you for being such a chill Granddad. I will always love you and I’ll always be your Punky-Pooks.

~ Your Granddaughter Anna

Sometimes people come in your life and you don’t realize they are there until they are gone. Someone can show you they truly care without many words. Grandfather was that person to me - a pure soul that will be tremendously missed.

~Jessica

40 years creates a lifetime of memories. Knowing you was a blessing in so many ways. Sharing family, friends and being introduced to my most valuable blessing, a life of True Holiness. We started and ended as friends. You were and will always be a special part of our family. Take your eternal nap! You will always have a special place in my heart.

~ Regina

Dad – I’m going to miss all of the fun we had in the car, in our home and at the dinner table. Your laugh is infectious and all of us loved having you around. Because of the gift you gave me many years ago along came Anna and Andrew, your grandchildren. I’m sure it was hard for you to give it to me but I will never forget the day you did. I’m going to miss you dearly. And again I say thank you for giving me your most prized possession… your daughter.

~ Your son Derek

Oh Daddy! I was not ready to live on this earth without you! Your quiet, easygoing spirit was a steady, calming presence in my life. I just assumed you would always be here. But His thoughts are not our thoughts, neither are His ways our ways. To deal with this heartbreak you would tell me to "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding." (Proverbs 3:5) That was your favorite scripture. I heard you say it so many times. More importantly, I saw you live it.

With your big Bible dictionary and scribbled notes, you were always the most prepared scholar at family Bible study. You were a man of few words, but when you spoke, your words were full of wisdom. Nothing bothered you. I learned so much over the years watching you live simply and love deeply.

We shared a love of learning, and you had many interests that few people knew about: tennis, Pavarotti, history and sports. As a little girl I felt loved and protected when you held my hand crossing the street. As a woman I knew you had my back in every way. Most people get the parents they're born to, but you chose me. I will forever be grateful that you did.

Losing you has left a gaping hole in my heart. But you left me a lifetime of beautiful memories to fill it. Having you in our home these last few years was a blessing. Loving you was a privilege. I'm missing you terribly, but I'm so happy you will enjoy eternity with God. See you there.

~Tracie

Dea. Sam Cofer, III

Mr. Damian Mason

Mr. Emmett Wade

Pall Bearers

Mr. Tim Jamison

Mr. Robert Potts, III

Mr. Lawrence Washington, Jr.

Honorary Flower Ladies

Mssn. Merry Ford

Mrs. Kathleen Johnson

Mrs. Marvalene Pope

Mth. Rosemarie Thompson

Mrs. Clara Howard

Mrs. Barbara Nowels

Mssn. Gwendolyn Teamer

Mth. Minnie Rice

Honorary Pall Bearers

Mr. Claude Boyd

Mr. John Ford

Mr. Nicky Martin

Mr. Charlie Rice

Mr. Charles Stevens

Mr. Willie David Finley

Elder Charles Meadows

Elder Dennis Parks

Mr. Norman Ross

Mr. Gregory Teamer

Mr. Joseph Washington

Acknowledgments

When you showed up at our door to offer kind words, food, flowers, love tokens or just sit and reflect on your memories of "Daddy Bob," you blessed our hearts. Your prayers, encouraging words, hand-picked cards, messages and phone calls will forever be remembered. To all the professionals who served us in our time of need, we thank you. The Family