Paul Clifford Finney, 88
November 9, 1936 – September 21, 2025
Tupelo – Paul Clifford Finney, age 88, was one of seven children born to Ollie and Maude Irene Simmons Finney on November 9, 1936, in the Old Union community of Lee County, Mississippi. Paul – surrounded by his family – left this world and went to be with Jesus on September 21, 2025, after suffering a long battle with dementia. He was at The Meadows in Fulton, MS at the time of his death, where he had lived since June of this year.
Paul was a hard-working man, as early as high school where he worked behind the soda fountain at TKE Drug Store from 1956 to 1974. He married Bonnie Dodson February 27, 1959. Once he left TKE he and Bonnie opened Finney’s Sandwich Shop in Tupelo from 1981-1991. A short time later they opened Paul & Bonnie’s in Pontotoc operating from 1993-1998. After Kirk and Stephanie bought the business and expanded it to Kirk’s Grill, they continued to work with them until they retired.
Paul had a servant’s heart. He was loving, caring, and would help anyone in need. He never turned anyone away. Paul loved all the people and connections he made through his work over all the years; telling stories that only he could tell that would have you rolling in laughter. That is one of the many things his family will miss, and his stories will always live on in their hearts. He loved his family, his farm, his cows, and his John Deere Tractors. He was continuing to tell stories and let them know about the way they used to do things on the farm. His favorite clothing to wear was his blue Dickies, his John Deere cap, and his Brogans. He loved being outside walking and checking the farm!
Paul was a member of First United Methodist in Verona, MS and he and Bonnie raised three children in that church, giving them the foundation they would need in life. He was so loved by his family, always happy and smiling and would do anything he could to help others. A service of Death and Resurrection will be at 10 AM, Wednesday, September 24th, 2025 in the Sadie Holland Memorial Chapel with Rev. James McClerkin officiating. A family graveside service will follow at Lee Memorial Park. Visitation will be today (Tuesday), September 23rd, 2025 from 5 PM – 7 PM, and Wednesday from 9 AM to service time.
Pallbearers will be his grandsons Clay Finney, Chandler Dabbs, Luke Finney, Zachary Robbins, Braxton Carroll and Joshua Harris.
Paul was preceded in death by his parents, and his brothers Alvis Finney, and Wayne Finney, and sisters Imogene Finney and Barbara Deaton.
Paul is survived by his wife of sixty-six years, Bonnie Finney; his daughter Tanya Robbins (Rick); sons Ken Finney (Sally), and Kirk Finney (Stephanie); grandchildren Tiffany Robbins Harris (Joshua), Zachary Robbins (Charlotte), Chandler Dabbs (Taylor), Clay Finney (Maddie), Kirklyn Finney (Braxton), Luke Finney and one great-grand; Two siblings, Doris Ryan, Ezra Finney and many nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be sent to the Residence Activity Fund, The Meadows, P.O. Drawer 127, Fulton, MS 38843 or to Dementia Society, P.O. Box 600, Doylestown, PA 18901.
Expressions of sympathy to the family may be posted at www.hollandfuneraldirectors.com/PaulFinney. Those who cannot attend may view the service at 10 AM, Wednesday, September 24, 2025 or anytime thereafter at hollandfuneraldirectors.com/livestreaming.
Please follow the funeral home link above for further information, or to send online condolences or memorial gifts.
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