Paul Finch Obituary

Paul Legree Finch Jr. "Legree" was born in Spartanburg, South Carolina to Paul & Gladys Finch. He was raised in the rural community of Roebuck, South Carolina with his three younger sisters: Joyce, Kathy and Sue. He was a diligent worker and eager leader wherever he found himself. At Dorman High School he would become student body president as well as winning the state FFA competition with his 600lbs sow named "Whitey." He simply had enough determination to accomplish just about anything he decided to do.
The LORD always had his eye on Legree and changed his heart through a weekend revival in his junior year of high school. Though he had always been raised to attend church, this was a step that made his faith personally real - a step that would forever change his life. After high school Legree chose to go to Columbia Bible College (now, University) where he was introduced to God's unstoppable mission in this world. He leaned into ardent study - and even lent his distinctive tenor voice to the touring choirs!
After college, Legree followed his call to full time vocational ministry as a pastor. Oddly enough, because of hearing one of the compelling Professors from Covenant Seminary, he would make a surprising move north to St. Louis, Missouri. At Covenant Seminary, he was introduced to the reformed and covenantal doctrines of grace. His classmates were another major influence of his life as a student and throughout his ministry in the Presbyterian Church of America. Another monumental change happened when he decided to visit the Missouri Baptist College Library that was just down the street from Covenant Seminary. He met Mary Sue Reece while studying at the library. This quickly led to marriage and later two children (Scott & Jennifer). During the final year of seminary Legree began preaching as a stated supply in Culter, IL that would result in a 14 year commitment ministering in the little coal mining community as pastor of the Reformed Presbyterian Church of Culter, IL.
After their time in Cutler, Legree and Sue were called to Bryan-College Station, Texas. For nearly 10 years they labored there as well as for Mission to North America in the outskirts of Houston. They weathered a number of transitions that led them to Christ Presbyterian Church in Marietta, GA where they retired in 2014 - after over 40 years of faithful service! In 2014 Legree also finished the life-long goal of finishing a Doctorate in Ministry degree from Reformed Theological Seminary in Charlotte.
Those who knew Legree could witness his deep conviction in serving Christ and serving others in whatever ways possible. He was always quick to make hospital visits as well as pursuing the marginalized with compassion and generosity. He was a "put your hand to the plough" kind of pastor. Trash duty, hospital visits, electrical repairs, car repairs, home repairs, fire department chaplain, even working the garden, or driving cross country when someone needed a friend/brother/Dad/son/Popa/Grandfather/husband - wherever there was a need, he was there working with all his might and compassion. He and Sue were also known for welcoming displaced college/seminary students, many of whom were visiting the US for their education. They supplied both room and board to many students, providing a home away from home as well as good fellowship around God's Word.
Perhaps one of the most astounding aspects to note about Legree was the faith that God grew in him over the years. Even during this last year where dementia had robbed him of so many of his faculties, when hearing the Lord's Prayer, one of his favorite hymns, or welcoming a visitor to "his home" Legree would invite you to enter his joy with eye contact, a nod, and a sincere smile. We give God thanks for His powerful work in the life and work of Legree and are so grateful that his faith is now sight.
Legree is survived by his children Scott Finch (Jennifer) and Jennifer Fisher-Luce (Michael with grandchildren Colby Finch, Tallis Finch, Jack Fisher, Allie Finch, Levi Fisher and Jocelyn Finch. Legree is also survived by his three sisters: Joyce Harkinson, Kathy Schultz and Sue Murphy. Legree was preceded in death by his beloved wife Mary Sue Reece Finch.
The funeral service will be held on Saturday, June 21, 2025 at Chattanooga Valley Presbyterian Church in Flintstone, Georgia with visitation at 9:30AM and worship at 10:00AM with a meal for guests to follow.
The graveside service will be held at Zion Lutheran Cemetery on Monday, June 23, 2025 in Pevely, Missouri at 10AM with a meal to follow.
In lieu of flowers please make a donation to Covenant College with "Wade Williams' Scholarship" in the memo.