Billy Lester Fincham's Obituary
Billy Lester Fincham, 91, of Culpeper, passed away Thursday, November 10, 2016. His wife, children, and grandson were with him when he passed on.
Mr. Fincham was born October 28, 1925, in Rappahannock County to the late Robert and Annie Haines Fincham. He leaves to cherish his memory his wife and best friend of 66 years, Ollie Hawkins Fincham; three children: Faye Shaw and her husband, Lester, of Amissville, Virginia; Jacqueline Campbell of Lynchburg, Virginia; and Tim Fincham and his wife, Amy, of Hot Springs, Arkansas; four grandchildren: Alethea Lindauer, John Campbell, Suzanne Rains, and Morgan Fincham; and six great-grandchildren: Keefer, Sophia, Levi, and Luke Lindauer and Tegan and Riley Campbell. Additional survivors include five siblings: Ruth Kilby, Pauline Jenkins, Jack Fincham, Joe Fincham, and Doris Creel.
In addition to his parents, Mr. Fincham was preceded in death by one son, Michael L. Fincham, one granddaughter, Jennifer C. Campbell, and two sisters, Margaret Lee and Jean Shaffer.
Mr. Fincham enlisted in the United States Army during World War II as a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division. He made 59 jumps, including several combat jumps that involved action at the Battle of the Bulge, fighting for control of German railway bridges and towns, and engagement with German and Italian forces on Utah Beach during the invasion of Normandy and D-Day. Following the end of the war, Mr. Fincham remained in France for an additional six months, serving as a member of General Eisenhower's honor guard.
When he returned home to Virginia, Mr. Fincham did what many of “The Greatest Generation” did: he went to work, raised a family, and served his community. Mr. Fincham retired from FMC Corporation in Fredericksburg after 25 years and then worked several more years at Rental Uniform Service (now Cintas). He belonged to and actively supported VFW Post 2524, where he held a lifetime membership. He was also a member of Woodland United Methodist Church. Mr. Fincham enjoyed being with his family, playing cards, trout fishing, quail hunting, attending his grandchildren's dance revues and sporting events. He was also an avid fan of the Washington Redskins and the Washington Nationals.
Mr. Fincham led a life worth emulating: a life of commitment to family; a life of faith, loyalty, and integrity; a life of service to others; a life of simple joys. He instilled his values in his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Through them and future generations, his legacy will continue. Mr. Fincham was a hero, not only in the eyes of his family, but also in the eyes and hearts of all who knew him.
A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, November 16, 2016, at 2 p.m., at Found and Sons Funeral Chapel, 850 Sperryville Pike, Culpeper, with the Rev. Kang Lee officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow the service in Fairview Cemetery. Pallbearers include John Campbell, Keefer Lindauer, Kenny Rains, Travis Stanley, Johnny Price, and Bill Jenkins. Honorary pallbearers are Stuart Caldwell and Joe Pfeifer. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to VFW Post 2524, PO Box 550, Culpeper, VA 22701 &/or Woodland United Methodist Church, 14282 Woodland Church Road, Culpeper, VA 22701.
Found and Sons Funeral Chapel of Culpeper is serving the family.
What’s your fondest memory of Billy?
What’s a lesson you learned from Billy?
Share a story where Billy's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Billy you’ll never forget.
How did Billy make you smile?
