Larry Finch Obituary

Grew up watching coach and the tigers beat up on Louisville and other teams. Saw coach out walking by his house before he went in the rehab place. Wish He could see Penny coaching today. His advice would be more than valuable. R. I. P Coach, but You'll always be remembered especially in Mempho Tennessee. God bless

GOD's continued grace to the Finch family.
My very first no look pass came from Larry back in the day at Melrose High. What an honor it was then, and the thought of it now!Melrose, class 1972. Orange Mound raised.

GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN! ...RIH

Rest in peace Mr. Finch..

Kenneth stokes

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this most difficult time.

Your friends, Skip and Paulette Joosten

Miss him allways he is the best coach inthe world

To the family and friends of Larry Finch, please accept my heartfelt condolences. The death of a loved one is one of the most devastating experiences a person can face, be assured that you are not alone in your grief. I find much comfort in the Bible where it assures us that "Our Heavenly Father is near to those that are broken at heart, and those who are crushed in spirit he saves. Recalling happy memories of the times you had together will help you to keep smiles on your faces and joy in your hearts.

To the Finch family you have my deepest condolences. I didn't know Coach Finch personally but I remember the teams he coach at memphis and the class they carried themselves with. He was a credit to coaching and educators

To every thing there is a season. We Memphians thank God. for having Coach Finch for a season he represented the City well. We are all proud of his work
a true neighborhood Hero May our Lord comforted you in this time of sorrow
We truly will miss The "True Memphian"

To Vickie and the Finch Family,
I admire you, you stood by your man, your husband, your best friend, the father of your three beautiful children until the very end. I know it was hard for you to have to work and take care of your husband for so long, it had to be love because you never gave up on him and I admire you for that. I too, had to work and try to take care of the man that I loved dearly, my father. So I know what you went through. I am praying for your strength in these difficult days ahead. May God continue to smile on you.

Dearest Vicki and Family of Larry Finch,

You have our deepest Sympathy , please know that we are praying for you and are here for you and your family. He will truly be missed. To God be the Glory for all the things he has done. We will cherish his memory forever. Rest in knowing that others share your grief.

There is so much we can say about Coach Larry O. Finch; he showed us how to live but most of all he showed us how to die with dignity.

To the Family of Larry Finch...I've followed Larry's career starting with high school in the 60's. I graduated from Carver High School in 1968. I attended our basketball games especially the ones between Carver & Melrose. We had our stars, Frank Patillio, Willie Gunn, Marvin Brooks, James Abernathy and Herb McNeil, and Melrose had Larry Finch and Ronnie Robinson. Later in the summer, after graduation, I met Larry again in Rexal, a pharmacy back in the day, located at the corner of McLemore and Patton. He would tease me about reading the comic books (Superman & Batman) in the store. Sometimes, when he left First Tennessee Bank in South Memphis, located at Third and Simpson, he would stop and speak if he saw me sitting on the porch. He used to drive a purple car. I think it was a Barracuda. I remembered asking him what he was doing on that end of town because it wasn't Orange Mound. He laughed and said his grand mother lived nearby on Patton Street. I don't know if he was teasing or not. I never watched Memphis State Basketball before, but when Larry and Ronnie started playing for Memphis State, I started watching Memphis State's basketball and have been a Tiger fan ever since. I also remembered the championship game between Memphis State and UCLA. I lost my bet on that game because I had Memphis State all the way with Larry, Ronnie and Dr. K. leading the Tigers. I will truly miss him. I still have newspaper clipping when he played in high school. I kept a scrap book on all of Carver's games from 1964 to 1968, therefore, it had to include Melorse and Larry Finch. May God be with you always.

To Vickie and the entire Finch family, Larry will be missed. He gave so much of himself to all of us. I will always cherish the memories of him at Operation PUSH Memphis' Salute to Larry: "In Honor of a Hero". My late sister, Gwen Sneed, was instrumental in planning the Salute which drew supporters from all over the City and County.Gwen and Larry are both resting in the arms of the Lord. I pray that God will give you and your family the strength to endure this very difficult time.

Many Blessings,
Delois Sneed Bolden

may you rest in peace coach finch,
you were the GREATEST
BARRY FRIEDMAN
Fayette, Alabama

We will truly miss you Coach, Love from the Duckett Family!

As a UAB fan and friend, I had the pleasure of being courtside during UAB practices when Coach Finch was coaching assistant alongside Gene Bartow. He was very close to each and every UAB player. He also kicked their tails at "OUT"(the short version of "HORSE". Nobody could touch him. I, myself, held a 0-50 record trying to beat him at OUT. He could shoot from 35 feet....bank shots no problem. He was an inspiration to all at UAB, and a vital part of UABs early success. What a great sense of humor. Here is a photo of the UAB practice jersey that Coach Bartow, Finch, and Corn gave me in 1978. I wore it for years at practices and in pick up games at UABs Bell Gym. It is an original UAB practice jersey from UABs first season. Tons of memories in my old tattered jersey. Priceless. It is my sackcloth. God Bless You, Larry Finch, from your little buddy, "SPACEMAN"(my gym nickname given to me by Coach Finch and 1978 UAB players and Memphis natives, Leon Morris, Larry Spicer, and Darryl Braden. I can still hear them all hollering "SPAAACEMAAAANNNN" and laughing when I came in to the gym. What great memories.

OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH THIS ENTIRE FAMILY DURING THIS DIFFICULT TIME.
A LEGACY TO BE WELL REMEMBERED !!

For the Family of Larry O. Finch Sr, with a twist of sadness because we will miss Larry for all that he was (great athelete, great coach, great teacher, wonderful husband and Father and an absolute compassionate Humanitarian), and yet happy that he is now is the arms of our Father. Our prayers are with you, Vickie, and the children and the rest of the family because God is the only one who can and will get you through this. God promised that He will never leave you nor forsake you. Take comfort in knowing that many love you and are praying for your peace in Lord.
Gwendolyn Duncan-Branch
Millington Tn

God's Strength and His Healing Power in abundance. May God shine his loving Beam of Light down on you and your family.

All our prayers go out to the family, this is from a family member of Whitehaven High School mothers who's child was a member of his wife's dance team, he was a great men who supported her in her work with the girls she worked with.All our prayers go out to strenghten Mrs. Finch in this time.Coach Finch will be missed by the young and old!- Marla&Jeorjeanne Clariette

I want to extend my deepest regards to the entire Finch family. I grew up as a child knowing of Larry Finch at Melrose. While at UT-Martin, I met sister-in-law, Beverly, and know of all Larry's successes and challenges just as many for over a forty year period. I am proud to be a Memphis State alumni in part because of the legacy there that he helped to mold. Basketball is something that binds the soul and spirit. May God be with you all and I will continue to pray for the family's strength and endurance at this time.

Our prayers go out to the Finch family.Larry you will be greatly missed.

We have lost a kind and loving Giant in Coach Larry Finch. Vickie, Shanae, James, and Larry Jr, our prayers are with you. We have memoriesof Larry at Melrose, in Orange Mound, at Memphis State and at UAB when we all lived in Birmingham. Larry was so special to all of us amd we will keep a place for him in our hearts. I know you will continue to make your father proud. And Vickie be strong, you did a great job!! God Bless you..

i think larry was a good man for the city of memphis.He had a great life its sad to say goodbye.

Our prayers go out to the family.
May the memories bring you all peace.

Prayers go out to the family, friends, fans of Memphis State/U of M basketball, and the entire city of Memphis, as well as those who Coach Finch impacted across the nation! I grew up during the Larry Finch coaching era...it was the best of times! God bless him and all of us who loved him!

May God bless and keep each of you is my prayer.

Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.

To the Finch family,Larry will always be in my heart. With deep sympathy. 1972 graduate of Hamilton High School.

James,
I was sad to hear the news of your father. He was a great man. Watching the games on the floor at Whitehaven Elementry helped me to develop my love for the game.

You and your family will be in my prayers.

Valleywood neighbor and school friend.

I am blessed to have seen Larry Finch play in 72-73 when I was a young boy, then play a JV game against a Larry Finch coached high school team, then attend Memphis State with Larry Finch on the coaching staff.
But my greatest memory is the night he spoke a few years later at my son's youth YMCA soccer banquet at the university,
Coach Finch completed a Tiger practice,saw the mass of children,couldn't resist,came over and spoke for a few minutes.
He stressed to parents about working hard to raise their children to be good kids. He told the kids to be confident and to do their best in school,sports,and everything else. He told them to take pride in doing their best.
That was the night I really knew who Larry Finch was. God bless the Finch family at this time.

I never heard a bad word about Larry Finch. In recent days, reading the stories about him just confirm his character. Rest in peace dear man. Prayers to your family.

Our Prayer go out to you Vickie and your entire family always. Take comfort in knowing that you and your family have a Special Guardian Angle watching over all of you. Your husband Coach Larry Finch is "Safe in God's Arms". Vickie may God and your memories of the good times with Larry bring you so much joy and Comfort. God will always be there for you all.

Larry Finch will be missed. He had a big impact in the city of Memphis. I pray that that the Finch family and friends will be able to move on and keep his legacy alive. God bless you.

Larry Finch was a good example to all of us, may his soul rest in peace. God Bless the family!.

God bless the Finch family. Our prayers are with you.

To The Finch Family:May God keep you all
and guide your daily living.May he walk
with you and talk with you and let you all know that you are his very own.

God Bless You All,
From The Fishers,Walkers,Hulberts,Scotts,Harvey

Praying for the family,sorry for your lose

To the Family of Mr. Larry Finch we love all. So look to hill which come your help you help come from the lord. May God be with always. Willie&juliet Stokes Mpls. Mn.

I followed Larry from his Freshman Year, Nat Championship Game, Coach of the Tigers. We met once in a Grocery Store when things were not perfect. He said you can't please everyone just be true to yourself and your values. I never forgot that. My son was at Riverdale School when Larry and Ronnie came to speak and still has memories of that. Always Tiger Fans: Jack and Kelly Shepherd

Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.

Dear Vicki,

I and my family are praying for your family. The loss is too great;however, you will be able to endure the storm. You have friends, family and others who love you and loved Larry. These individuals are not those you talked with everyday or even knew. They are "real" fans and support persons-who really loved you and Larry. I will always remember my campus buddy and I cherish my 1972 DeSoto yearbook of the times. May God bless you and yours. Forever friend and fan. Pat McWright Jackson

The Orange Mound/Melrose Family is rejoicing for the life and legacy of Larry. We are so happy for the way he represented his school and community wherever he went. The family will continue to have our love and support.
Gwen Glover '59' and Hazell G. Jones '63'.

~Always Remember~
To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven....Ecclesiastes 3:1
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends. I am reminded of a poem entltled....

THE PLAN of the MASTER WEAVER

Our lives are but fine weavings
That God and we prepare,
Each life becomes a fabric planned
And fashioned in His care.

We may not always see just how
The weavings intertwine,
But we must trust the Master’s hand
And follow His design,
For He can view the pattern
Upon the upper side,
While we must look from underneath
And trust in Him to guide…

Sometimes a strand of sorrow
Is added to His plan,
And though it’s difficult for us,
We still must understand
That it’s He who fills the shuttle,
It’s He who knows what’s best,
So we must weave in patience
And leave to Him the rest…

Not till the loom is silent
And the shuttles cease to fly
Shall God unroll the canvas
And explain the reason why —
The dark threads are as needed
In the Weaver’s skillful hand
As the threads of gold and silver
In the pattern He has planned.

—Author Unknown
Larry was th(The World's Greatest)
He taught us that "MEMORY" IS ONE GIFT FROM GOD THAT "DEATH" DOES NOT DESTROY. CHERISH YOUR MEMORIES OF LARRY - TRUST IN THE LORD WITH ALL OF YOUR HEART...SOUL.... AND MIND!!! HE IS YOUR PROVIDER, YOUR PROTECTOR, YOUR REFUGE, YOUR TOWER OF STRENGTH!!! MAY THE PEACE OF THE LORD SURROUND ALL OF YOU NOW AND FOREVER!

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Finch Family

The Keys, Roswell,GA

With Deepest Sympathy. Memphis Greatest Basketball coach. Rest in peace, Coach Finch Jacqueline Bradley & Dennie Family

The Walker Family's deepest sympathy and May the Lord comfort you all. There is no pain that Heaven cannot heal.

To God Be the Glory!!! Orange Mound has lossed another one of it's GIANTS and thou we may weep for a while, we do not weep as one of those who have no HOPE, for we shall most SURELY see LARRY O. FINCH, SR. again in that GREAT getting up morning -- so we say to ALL of ORANGE MOUND and most definitely the MIGHTY MELROSE GOLDEN WILDCATS continue to serve with PRIDE and HUMILITY until that great day when we shall not only see "Larry" but our Lord and Savior JESUS CHRIST. Much Love and Prayers to the entire Finch Family, know that God is standing near and He cares, He will speak peace and comfort to your soul. Lift your eyes until the hills from whence all your help comes, seek his face even now. Psalm 23 is a great source of strength.
Ora Jeffries-White
Melrose Class of 1973

Deepest sympathy. R.I.J. Coach Finch!

God Bless you Coach Finch and may you rest in peace.

To the Finch Family: Believe that God will see you through this difficult time. Please remember all the wonderful and fun times shared with Larry, and I'm sure there are many. This is what Larry would like. Believe me, this will help you through the days that are ahead of you. God Bless you all.

My prayers goes out to the Finch family

Larry O. Finch Sr., you put Melrose High School on the map, Memphis State (University of Memphis) on the map and the city of Memphis on the map. The proud alumni of Melrose High School and the citizens of Memphis, Tennessee would like to say thank you, for a job well done and loving this city. You brought peace to the world and placed marks in this world that will remain a long-long time. I believe that your name will be entered into the City of Memphis' History Book of Fame, because you should always be remembered. You fought a good fight, you finished your course and you kept the faith.

Melrose High Alumni
Class of 1977

R.I.P. coach, you'll be greatly missed. Our loss is definitely Heaven's gain. A valued West TN. fan (Ripley, TN. )

Before,Melrose,b.efore Memphis State,Larry was the lone basketball player on Dunbar 's playground,doing the High School football games....bASKETBALL WAS HIS PASSION,AND DOING HIS INCREDIBLE YEARS,IT BECAME A PASSION TO ORANGE MOUND ,MELROSE,MEMPHIS STATE AND ALL OF MEMPHIS!RIP,Larry!We will never forget you! AAAANNNNDD OOOONNNNNEEEEE!!!!!

Mr. Larry O. "Coach" Finch, Sr.:
A Fine Gentleman and Genuine Memphian.....like Coca Cola,
"He WAS the real thing!"

The family has my prayers. God is with you .

Rest in Peace mighty Tiger!
Your legacy is stamped forever in our hearts.

He will be missed greatly

It was an honor and privilege to care of Coach Finch doing his illness, he always remained humble and in good spirits. Your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Only one who has shared a like sorrow can understand the grief that you
are now
experiencing. Our words can bring only slight comfort. We share your
personal grief
too, and we do care.

The family of Marie West Tolliver Jones

Only one who has shared a like sorrow can understand the grief that you
are now
experiencing. Our words can bring only slight comfort. We share your
personal grief
too, and we do care.

The family of Marie Tolliver Jones

Gloria and family, may your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived. Our prayers are with the family. "We loved Larry"

"Melrose Class of 1970"

Finch family, may God be with you.
Melrose Class of 1969

Coach Finch, You're a great man Larry. We've missed you for a long time and now sad to see you go. God Bless and Keep You

To The Fench Family, I remember Mr. Finch ,while I was a grad student at Memphis State University. I never met him,but I would see him on campus.I attended their in 1975-1976. He would be always smiling and talking. Keep his memories alive.

Finch Family,

Coach Finch has gone home to a place were we all will go when its GOD'S will. Hold your head up remember all the many years you shared with him and thank GOD. To Mrs. Finch you had a wonderful husband whom loved you and the family dearly so now it's time for you to continue to be a strong women for you and the family. May GOD continue to bless each and everyone of you. Coach Finch is resting in eternal peace never to suffer anymore.

We extend our most sincere sympathy to you upon the loss of your husband,father,grandfather,brother,uncle,friend, and our beloved cousin. Few people have been held in as high esteem as Larry was for many years. No one deserve it more. May God continue to bless each and everyone of you.

The West, Tolliver and Butler Family.

RIP Coach Finch!!!!!

To the Family: May God grant U strength & comfort at this time. Be Blessed!!!!

God bless all the FINCH Family. Many prayers and blessings . M.Gray (Hernando)

My prayers go out to the Finch family. I am sadden by the loss and will always remember the abundance of joy and pride Larry brought to this city.

On behalf of the Melrose Booster Club, our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time. May God continue to give each of you strength during this difficult time. Larry will always be a great legend of the Melrose Golden Wildcats and the Orange Mound community.

We love you Larry!!
Melrose Booster Club

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

To us Larry Finch was a wonderful player and a wonderful coach. He had a family and we were his other family. God Bless His Family and open the flood gates of Heaven and let it rain. God don't make no mistakes. Be Blessed.

Shay,Perhaps they are not the stars, but rather opening in heaven where the love of our lost ones pour through and shines down upon us to let us know they are Happy. You are in my prayers..

Vicki my prayers are with you and your family. Always remember to count your blessing and lean on God.


Deborah Falls
Class of 1969

John 3:16 MSG
"This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life.

God knows how much we can bear.

Blessings to the Finch Family

a great player, a great coach cj mcdough ga

LOVE this guy.. he's the reason I started watching Memphis Basketball. Prayers for his family..

To the Finch Family and Especially Larry Jr and Torrie. My heart goes out to you guys. May the Lord speed your families healing and guard your memories with honor. My prayers are with you. Ms. Darlene from USBC

You were always the same, never changed. Just Larry. The same forever. My thoughts and prayers to the entire family.

He was always my favorite on the court. He was so honorable and pleasant.

Vickie, my friend our prayers are with you and the family. It was an honor to be one of your bride maids when you and Larry were married. Be strong God will take care of you.

Love

(The Oakley Family)
Hamilton Street Neighbors

Larry, will miss you dearly but your spirit lives on in Memphis and we will always love you---#21.
Will keep you and the Finch family in my prayers.

God bless the finch family,

Finch Family

You did well and now Larry is at peace. We pray that your sweet memories of him will bring you comfort. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.

To Vickie and Family,
I was blessed to see Larry play while attending Melrose High School. He was a man of integrity and a star. I then attended MSU and got to see him play there. He was a man of integrity and a star. What a joy to watch him play. We never missed a home game. When I heard that he became head coach at MSU I was so proud. A Melrose man head coach of MSU. I got to see him coach on TV once. What a treat. We are blessed that he was a part of our lives in some sort of way big or small. My prayers go out to you and your family and may our heavenly Father give you comfort during this rough time.

May God comfort the Finch family. As a classmate I remember the pride and the recognition that his fantastic skills brought to Melrose. You will be truly missed but not forgotten.

Laverne (Thomas) Hernandez
Grand Prairie, TX

To the Finch Family,
Our heartfelt love during your period of sorrow. Coach Larry Finch will be remembered for times to come. He was the heart and soul of Tiger Basketball. Rest in Peace

Our condolences to the Finch family. We are former Memphis residents and our elder daughter and her family are still there and are the most ardent Memphis fans and season ticket holders. We were fans of Larry from the time we moved to Memphis .

My condolences to the Finch family. We were teammates for the Memphis Tams and friends before then. May his memories continue on in all those that he touched. God Bless and keep his family during this time and always. Razor Edge, Detroit, MI

Even in death, you will always be "Coach Finch"...has a nice ring to it.
R I P

We Love You Coach Finch

I remember Tiger run through NCCA tourament when Larry put on dribble display against Kansas State. My God bless Finch Family.

Jones Family

Crystal, Minneasota.

Our condolences to the Finch family. We are former Memphis residents and our elder daughter and her family are still there and are the most ardent Memphis fans and season ticket holders. We were fans of Larry from the time we moved to Memphis in 1971 and we both attended MSU. We will miss him. God Bless your family.

To the Finch family, God has not made a mistake. God gives life as well as death. Keep living, hold to your memories and one another, laugh when you think of something funny that Larry did or said, when you feel like crying, cry on because God will wipe your tears away, when it seem that the presser of his lost is stronger than you can bare, raise your head and hands toward Heaven and God will see you through. There is a hill and at the top God hear you as weep and he will say my child weep no more for your love one has reach the other shore. Keep your hands in God's hands.
May God Bless and Keep you'll.
O. Jones

Forever missed man of God
you was a great coach and UOM will never forget you