David Ray Finney
September 29, 1933 - January 18, 2022
Fort Worth, Texas - David Ray Finney, former Attorney and Legislator for Tarrant County, Fort Worth, TX, passed away Tuesday, January 18, 2022, at the age of 88.
Services: Due to the pandemic, funeral services will be private with plans for a Memorial Service at some point in the future.
MEMORIALS: In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in David's name to the Methodist Children's Home, 1111 Herring Avenue, Waco, Texas 76708 or "The Ray of Hope Program" under The Humane Society of North Texas, 1840 East Lancaster Avenue, Fort Worth, Texas 76103.
David was born in Fort Worth, Texas, and grew up in Northside, where he graduated from Northside High School. There, he lettered in football, track and served as senior class president. He valued and maintained close friendships with his classmates throughout his life.
As a lifelong learner, David loved books, was a voracious reader and loved stimulating conversations about politics and history, especially World War II. He graduated from Texas Christian University with a Bachelor of Science in 1955. In 1958, he earned a Law Degree from the University of Texas at Austin followed by three years active duty in the Air Force as the Assistant Staff Judge Advocate at Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma. His education continued at the University of Chicago graduating in 1970, with a Master of Business Administration. David had two professions: law and politics. While his first job was as Assistant City Attorney with the city of Fort Worth, the remainder of his law career he worked in smaller Fort Worth law firms. He was an active attorney for over 50 years practicing all aspects of law with the exception of criminal and tax law. David's second career, politics, began in 1962 at age 29. Representing Tarrant County, he held continuous office in the Texas House of Representatives until 1977. Throughout his legislative career he was closely connected to his community representing them with integrity and commitment. Young people who worked for him during this time remained close throughout David's life, a testimony to his high standards and commitment to public service. As one observed," [David] never compromised his morals, and he maintained his character in all circumstances". Among the many committees David chaired while in the Texas House of Representatives, he chaired the State Affairs Committee one of the most active and important committees in the Texas House of Representatives. In addition to politics and the law, David was an active farmer and rancher. He managed the family ranch together with his wife Sandra, in Parker County, Texas until 2020. Together they raised Limousin cattle for many years until David's health began to fail. Ranching was the favorite of David's many interests and passions. David loved all animals especially his beloved dog, Mama. He felt it was his privilege to share the world with all living creatures. He was an ardent supporter of the Humane Society of North Texas giving the pastures on the ranch for their use to support the equine rehabilitation program.
David is predeceased by his mother, Berniece Finney [Menn]; father, Ray Finney; and his brother, Richard Geines Finney.
Survivors: Sandra Gonzales, his wife of many years; nieces, Janie Anne Finney and Richanna Finney; great-nephews; beloved cousins; and friends old and new.
The Family of David Finney offer our sincere and special thanks to David's caregivers (Andy Singleton, Rowdy Guzman, and Maria Corona) who showed an abundance of compassion and provided excellent care to him in his last days.