Donald Eugene Finley

Donald Eugene Finley passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at the age of 76. He was kind-hearted, intentional, dedicated, and made life more joyful for everyone around him. Known for his quick wit, contagious laugh, and generous nature, he had a way of making people feel loved. Whether he was helping a stranger at the pawn shop, sharing a story around the lake, or lending a hand to a neighbor in need, Donald always led with compassion and humor. He embraced life with curiosity, courage, and a strong sense of community.

Donald was born in Augusta, Georgia and lived in Martinez, Georgia until the age of 16, when the family moved to Augusta. He attended Martinez Elementary School and was later enrolled at Carlyle Military Academy during high school—a decision he often joked was due to being a 'special child,' the kind they sent to a place meant to straighten out the bad boys. Donald was later drafted into the U.S. Army, where he bravely served our country in the Vietnam War.

After returning to Augusta, Donald worked at the family business, Cherokee Pawn Shop, until his retirement. He lived life to the fullest driving hot rods, fast boats, riding Harley Davidson motorcycles across the county, and taking his horses on trail rides. He had a passion for car shows, NASCAR races, river trips to Savannah and Charleston, playing golf, and attending beach music festivals across the South. Donald loved spending time at Clark's Hill Lake and especially looked forward to Keg Creek Crowd parties celebrating the Fourth of July with Brass Tyme Band.

Donald is survived by his loving wife of 34 years, Paula Wade Finley; his brother, Johnny Vernon Finley, Sr. (Judy); and his sister, Connie Finley Wisnieski. He is also survived by nieces Tracy Angela Bradford (Craig), Ronda Finley Najjar (David), and Summer Bell (Tim); nephew, John Vernon Finley Jr. (Darby); many great-nieces and great-nephews; his mother-in-law, Betty W. Branan; his father-in-law, John S. Wade, MD; many dear friends; and his cherished "Mobley Girls": Tinsley, Jane, and Jordan.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Kate and Claude Finley, as well as his brother-in-law, Bob Wisnieski.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff at Piedmont Augusta MICU, including Dr. Connie Trello, Jessica Spirl, PA-C, and the VA Coumadin Clinic staff-Dr. Kraig Wangsnes, Heather Raborn, PA-C, and Dr.

David Hogue-for their exceptional care over the years.

A celebration of Donald's life will be held on Saturday, July 19, 2025, at 5:00 PM in the sanctuary of Lewis Memorial United Methodist Church (5555 Hereford

Farm Road, Evans, Georgia).

Family will receive friends from 3:00 PM to 4:45 PM in the church fellowship hall prior to the service. A private burial will follow at a later date.

To honor Donald, guests are encouraged to wear casual attire reflective of his love for motorcycles, car shows, NASCAR races, golf, shagging, or lake life- just as he would have wanted.

In lieu of flowers, memorial may be made to the Children’s Hospital of Georgia, as Donald loved to brighten the lives of children with special gifts. Please visit www.foundation.wellstar.org/give-now/ and under Ways To Give, designate your gift to the Children's Hospital.