Charles Clifton Finley

Charles Clifton Finley, 86, of Ballinger passed away Monday night, December 12, 2011 at Hendrick Medical Center in Abilene.

He was born September 17, 1925 in Hale Center, Texas to Luke and Mary (Clifton) Finley. He graduated from Loraine High School and attended Tarleton State University. He served his country honorably in the US Air Force during WWII. He married Dorothy Cope February 10, 1946 in Lubbock, and the couple had been married almost 66 years.

Charles was a hard-working farmer most of his life. He was named Soil Conservation Farmer of the Year during his time of farming in Mitchell County. He also received the high honor of National Farmer’s Degree through FFA. After retiring from farming, he had owned and operated Concho Park Marina at Lake Ivie since the lake opened in 1992. Charles greatly enjoyed landscaping his home in Ballinger where he and Dorothy had lived for13 years. He could often be seen on his tractor as he energetically mowed, planted, and beautified the property.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a granddaughter, Alicia Finley.

Mr. Finley is survived by his devoted wife, Dorothy, of Ballinger; sons, Gary Finley and wife, Margie, of Abilene, David Finley and wife, Nina, of Lake Ivie, Robert Finley and wife, Debbie, of Loraine, and Ronnie Finley and wife, Jerri, of Midland; sisters, Nelda Snow and husband, Bill, of Brenham, and Lois Johnson and husband, Johnny, of Levelland. Also surviving are 10 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews, and special friend, Kay Smith.

Visitation for family and friends will be Thursday, December 15 from 6:00 to 7:00 pm at Lange Funeral Home in Ballinger. The funeral service will be held Friday, December 16 at 10:00 am at Lange Funeral Home Chapel. A private, family burial will take place at the Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Abilene.

The family extends special thanks to the staff of Hendrick Medical Center and to Doctor Hirsch and Doctor Vega.

Memorials may be made to West Texas Rehab or the American Cancer Society.