Donald Everett Finley

Donald Everett Finley, age 86, of Morristown, lovingly known as “Papaw” and “Piz” passed away peacefully into the arms of Jesus at his home at Trinity Hills Assisted Living of Knoxville, on Tuesday, November 26, 2024. He was born to Everett and Nina Finley on February 1st, 1938. Don was a beloved and devoted husband, father, grandfather, friend, and brother to the Morristown Masonic Lodge and Kerbela Shriners for over 65 years. His life was marked with devotion to his family and the values of Freemasonry. Don spent countless hours transporting needy children to the Shriners Children’s Hospital in Lexington, Ky. Don was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of fifty seven years, Carolyn; and daughter, Cheryl. He is survived by his children, Mike (Terri) Finley and Lorrie Finley; grandchildren, Whitney (Jimmy) Clark, Chelsey (Phillip) Whitaker, Matthew Finley, and Rachel (Danny) Randolph; and great grandchildren, Bryson and Barrett Whitaker. Growing up in the red-row community of Jefferson City, at a young age, Don learned to make money by selling wood to neighbors from a small wagon that he pulled around the neighborhood. Thus, he learned the value of a dollar that was passed to his family. Later in his late teenage years, while skating at the Buffalo Trail Skating Rink in Morristown, Don would meet Carolyn Profit, the love of his life. He spoke to a friend that evening saying, “I’m gonna marry that girl.”  Soon, this would come to pass with 57 years of marriage. Don’s kindness and dedication to the Morristown Masonic Lodge and Kerbela Shriners, and 42 years of employment as a shipping foreman for Forest Products in Morristown, touched many lives and he will be missed by all who worked with him and loved him. The family will receive friends from 12 - 1 p.m. on Sunday, December 1st at Westside Chapel Funeral Home, 3521 West Andrew Johnson Hwy. Morristown, TN 37814. The funeral service will follow immediately at 1 p.m. with Pastor Rick Green officiating. After the service, friends and family will proceed to Jefferson Memorial Gardens, 812 E. Broadway Blvd, Jefferson City, TN 37760, for a graveside service. Pallbearers: Matthew Finley, Jimmy Clark, Danny Randolph, Phillip Whitaker, Jeff Ramion, and Kelly Randolph. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Morristown Masonic Lodge, 120 S. Mill St, Morristown, Tennessee 37814. Arrangements by Westside Chapel Funeral Home in Morristown.

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