John Henry Finklea Jr.

"GOD Was Not Finished With Him Yet"

FINKLEA- John Henry Finklea, Jr. "Bro. John" , passed away on Monday November 3, 2025. John was born on August 10, 1936 in Monroeville, Alabama to his beloved parents, John and Carolyn Finklea.

John grew up thinking he would be a professional football player, but God had a different plan for his life. He went to college on a football scholarship, but blew his knee out in a college game. So, his new path began. After his first year of college, he went on to marry his high school sweetheart and love of his life, Deloris Ousley. Shortly thereafter, John and Deloris had two children, Jeff and Lynn. After graduating from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, he began the life God had always had in store for him.

Bro. John spent the next 63 years ministering to people. For the first 40 years he pastored different churches, moving around the country wherever God led him. He instituted the Wild Game Super at First Baptist Church in Brewton. He loved being the chaplain for the T.R. Miller football team, and he helped orchestrate other ministries in the area. At 64 years old he retired from First Baptist Church and went on to publish 2 inspirational books. He planned to spend a little more time hunting, fishing, being with Deloris, and traveling to see his grandchildren; but "God was not finished with him yet." He returned to the pulpit, serving a small country church in Sepulga, Alabama for another 24 years.

John loved being outdoors and walking with God. It was his sanctuary. He was an amazing husband, father, grandfather, minister, and teacher. He was also a great friend, leader, and follower. He truly believed that God put him on Earth to help people "God was not finished with him yet"

In 2022 John suffered from a serious brain bleed and was given not to long to live. But "God was not finished with him yet" He lived another 2 ½ years mostly confined to a bed or a wheelchair. His right side was immobile, bringing him down a man who did not like sitting around. John said, "God had planned this all along," He continued to minister to people throughout these years from his home, with such amazing grace and love. Even though his body had deteriorated, his mind was sharp. As he preached at his wife's funeral service, he said as he often said, "It's all gonna be alright". And now it is.

Visitation will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday, November 8, 2025 at the First Baptist Church Brewton, Alabama.

Funeral services are set for Saturday, November 8, 2025 at 12 p.m. at First Baptist Church Brewton with Bro. Jack Fitts and Bro. Ron Headley officiating. Interment will follow in Pineville Cemetery in Monroeville, Alabama