FINLEY, Earl Wayne (Cotton) 12/7/1929 - 4/25/2018 Earl Wayne Finley, age 88, of Tucson, passed away on April 25, 2018 at Brookdale at Ventana Canyon, with daughter, Jill and son, Tom by his side. Cotton was born to Harvey and Helen Finley in Brazil, Ind. After graduating from Brazil High School, where he starred in football, he attended Indiana State University graduating in 1951. Cotton married Mary Ellen Grenhoff on November 24, 1951. Served in the Air Force from 1951 to 1955. Cotton settled his family in Jackson, Mich., where he began a 35 year career as a teacher and the last 20 years as a principal. Retiring in 1990, he and Mary built their dream home on a golf course in Bella Vista, Ark. Both were good golfers, bridge players and volunteers for Habitat for Humanity. In 2011, they moved to Villa Hermosa in Tucson. In October 2012, with Mary's passing, Cotton made his final residence at Brookdale. Cotton was preceded in death by parents, Harvey and Helen; wife Mary; brothers, James and Richard; sister, Mabel; daughter- in-law, Teri (Jackman) Finley. He is survived by his brother, Jerry of Fla.; daughters, Marla (David, ex-husband) of Jackson, Mich., and Jill Jacobson of Tucson; sons, Gregory (Susan) of Vancouver, Wa., Thomas (Betty) of Tucson and Joseph (Shannon) of Aurora, Co. He is also survived by nine grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. The family is eternally grateful for the loving care given at Villa Hermosa; Brookdale Ventana Canyon; Agape and Pathways Hospice; and Pastor Dirk of Pathways. A Celebration of Life for Earl and Mary Finley will be held on Friday, June 8, 2018, in Jackson, Mich. In lieu of flowers, look a stranger in the eye, smile at them and pay them a compliment, that's what Cotton did! Arrangements by HUDGEL'S SWAN FUNERAL HOME.

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Published by Arizona Daily Star on May 8, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for Earl FINLEY

12 Entries

June 22, 2018

Hello Cousins. I just heard of Uncle Earls passing. So sorry for your loss. I last saw him when my Dad, Jim, passed away in 1999. I so enjoyed seeing him again. I have fond memories of our visits in Indiana when we were kids! Joyce (Finley) Knisely.

Cindi Shearer

May 23, 2018

I had the pleasure of being in Earl's 4th grade class at Bloomfield, then got reacquainted with him when my children attended Longfellow and Hunt Schools where he was the principal. He was key in getting my education on track when I enrolled in his classroom which was truly life changing for me.
My heartfelt condolences go out to his family. Rest in peace, dear one.

May 21, 2018

I had the pleasure of working with Earl in Jackson Public Schools. He was always kind, considerate and professional. My thoughts and prayers for his family. Kathy Gillette

Julie Garrison

May 19, 2018

I worked with and for Earl! He was the most gentle and professional person! He was highly respected in the education world!

Cheryl Strzyzewski

May 17, 2018

My heartfelt condolences to the family. I had the pleasure of working with Earl at Hunt Elementary School in the early 80's. He was such a kind and caring gentleman that certainly picked the right profession. He always had a smile and made everyone feel welcome and comfortable, both staff and students. Heaven has gained another angel.

Randy Payne

May 16, 2018

I have fond memories of Mr.Finley,!Hunt school... gave me my first paddling... learned a lot from him and my visits to his office... my god bless the family... and may he rest easy in gods hands..He was a good man and principle..

T Hines

May 16, 2018

Please accept my sincere condolences. May the love of family and friends comfort you through your grief and days ahead, let loving memories of Earl warm your heart, Isaiah 61:1,2 "God binds up the brokenhearted and comforts all who mourn." May prayers give you strength during this time and days to follow, and memories bring you comfort always.

May 16, 2018

"COTTON";
Thank You for your Service. We are forever in your debt. Condolences to all.

May 16, 2018

This marks the passage of two great people. They were an awesome couple and touched the hearts of everyone they met. Larry Jennings

May 16, 2018

Thank you for your service, Mr. Finley

May 12, 2018

When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure. May the wonderful treasures fill your hearts with love and bring you peace. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14

Mike Pribonic

May 10, 2018

Tom,
Sorry to see the passing of your father.
My condolence to all.

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