GEORGE WILLIAM FINNEY

FINNEY, GEORGE WILLIAM, 84, passed away on October 7, 2011. He has lived in the Miami area since 1949 except for lengthy periods in Washington DC, Germany, South Korea, Thailand, and South Vietnam and Mexico. He earned an AB in German at the University of Miami in 1950, JD at the UM Law School in 1979, and joined the Florida Bar 1981. In 1945 he enlisted in the US Marine Corps Reserve, Commissioned 2D Lieutenant 1950 at the University of Miami, served in Germany and South Korea 1952 and 53, Retired in 1974 after attain in the rank of Colonel. In 1954 he joined the Central Intelligence Agency and was assigned ultimately as an operations officer in headquarters, Washington DC, with periods abroad of 8 years in Germany, 18 months in South Vietnam, 4 months in Thailand and 3 months in Mexico. After retiring in 1974 he returned to the Miami area to be with his beloved mother, Maurine Conley Finney, who preceded him in death in 1994. In the early 1980's they both joined the ACBL (American Contract Bridge League) and played as partners in many tournaments. In 1993 they both became ACBL Life Masters and in 1995 he attained Bronze Life Master. He never married and has no children. He is survived by five nephews and nieces, children of his deceased brother and sister-in-law, James T. Finney: James III of Dalton, David of Montgomery, Kathy Fontana of Mobile, Barbara Pribble of Woolrich, PA and Jean of Atlanta, and 12 great nephews and nieces. In 2004, George achieved the rank of Silver Life Master in the ACBL (American Contract Bridge League). During the preceding year and 2004, he intensified his bodybuilding and dieting. He placed in five bodybuilding contests, winning four trophies and a plaque. Also competing in amateur male exotic dancer contests, he won first place 35 times in North Miami Beach and 15 times in Fort Lauderdale. Private funeral services were held at VAN ORSDEL CORAL GABLES, 4600 SW 8th Street, Coral Gables. View this Guest Book at www. MiamiHerald.com/obituaries.