George Stanley Finley

1927 - 2016

George Stanley Finley

San Angelo

George Stanley Finley, 89, died on Dec. 31, 2016. George will be sorely missed by his large family, his numerous friends, and acquaintances whose lives he touched along the way.

George was born on Nov. 12, 1927, in Eldorado, Texas to Herbert Tipton ("Dogie") and Ebba (Jones) Finley. George grew up developing a love for two things: golf and learning to play bridge with his sister Ebba Ann. And it is those passions that would stick with him throughout his life.

George served in the Navy and attended Southern Methodist University, playing on the golf team and earning an undergraduate degree in 1950, and his LLB in 1952. After working for a few years as a prosecutor and as in-house counsel in Dallas, he returned to San Angelo to build his life and his law practice - and what a life and practice it was! George began with the firm Snodgrass, Smith, Rose, and Finley in 1960 (which today is Smith, Rose, Finley), where he practiced until his passing.

George's law career was well-marked, and he had a reputation in West Texas as having a way with the jurors who were captivated by his simple presentation, beat-up old pickup truck and change that would often fall from his pocket during closing argument. He served as Tom Green County Bar President from 1966-1967 and was Director of the Texas Association of Defense Counsel for two terms. He was board certified in Personal Injury and Civil Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. George was a fellow of the Texas Bar Foundation and of the American College of Trial Lawyers--something that he often called one of his greatest achievements because he was elected by his peers. Everyone just loved George!

George loved duplicate bridge, and he often flew Peggy, his wife of 43 years to the day, across the country in his private plane to play in tournaments. George was known to be safer in the air than on the ground, but we digress. He often encouraged his children to learn bridge, but it just never caught on. Nonetheless, we were so grateful for his love of the game because it was something he was able to do even after he got sick. George served as President of the local bridge club and was awarded the prestigious Texas Star Award in 2013 for his contribution to the game. He was a Life Master who was well-respected in the bridge community far and wide, and he taught bridge at ASU for many years. George's extended bridge family meant so much to him, and we are especially thankful to Carl McGill and Neal Perlman for the Tuesday night dinners that mattered so much up until the end.

To know him was to love him. He had a master sense of humor, a wit that was simply unmatched, and a brilliant mind that kept us all listening. We only wished we had a little more.

George is survived by many who loved him dearly, including his wife Peggy Griffith Finley, and their children: Sam Finley (children Samantha, Shannon and Hayden Finley); Rebecca Finley Leger (husband Perry and children Jaron and Aaron Detweiler and Shalom Leger); Amanda Finley Thompson (husband Joe Don and children Georgia Kate and Finley Thompson); Ginger Lindsey (husband Kenny and children Micah Lindsey and Amber Garza); Julie Hyatt (husband Rick and children Jessica Tidquist and Erica Carter); Ben Snead (children Ryan, Sean and Lauren Snead); and John Snead (daughter Carly Snead).

George is also survived by numerous great-grandchildren, as well as niece Von Furlong (children Matthew and Josh Escue), Scott Barber (son Luke Barber), sister-in-law Marian Black and brother-in law Reid Griffith (wife Marla). His law partners, associates and staff at Smith, Rose, Finley survive him, as do his beloved bridge family at the San Angelo Bridge Club, Unit 204. George is preceded in death by his parents, and sister Ebba Ann Barber.

The family would like to thank all who have been there with love, prayers and support. We extend our deepest gratitude to Dr. Roberto Prieto and his staff, Nurse Candy Molina at Community Medical Center, and Kindred Hospice.

Pallbearers are Carl McGill, Neal Perlman, Rick Hyatt, Roland Garza, Reid Griffith, Joe Don Thompson and Scott Barber. Honorary pallbearers are the attorneys from Smith, Rose, Finley.

Donations can be made to the American Cancer Society or to any organization of your choosing. Service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan 4, 2017 at First Presbyterian Church. Lunch will be served at the church with burial to follow in Lawnhaven Cemetery. Arrangements are with Robert Massie Funeral Home.

Online condolences may be left at robertmassie.com.