Thomas Franklin Finch

Tommy Finch, a beloved father, husband, and former Gibson County Commissioner, passed away at Jackson-Madison County General Hospital after a long illness on January 29, 2025. He was 82. Tommy was born on October 27, 1942, in Dyer, Tennessee to Gerald and Elaine (Alford) Finch. He was the grandson of Kelly and Luna Mae Finch of Currie, and Raz and Roonie Alford, of Rutherford. Tommy grew up in Dyer and graduated from Dyer High School.

Hailing from a family with a longtime farming heritage, Tommy continued that tradition until his retirement in 2015. While managing his farming operation, he also served his community by representing them for 20 years on the Gibson County Commission. During his time as a commissioner, Tommy worked diligently in the oversight of the county’s budget, which helped make Gibson County one of the best managed counties in Tennessee at that time. 

Known for his generosity to the community, each year Tommy planted patches of sweet corn, watermelons, purple hull peas, and/or greens patches, on his farm for all to enjoy. An early supporter of Gibson County High School, Tommy donated land from his farm for part of the school’s campus. He also donated the excavation work and sod for the original GCHS football field. Additionally, he was a longtime Memphis Tigers fan and annual season ticket-holder. 

Tommy is preceded in death by his father, Gerald Finch, and mother, Elaine Finch. 

Tommy is survived by wife, Reba (Dabbs); his two sons from his first marriage, Jamie Finch of Washington, DC, and Clint Finch of Chicago, IL; his brother, Jack Finch of Trenton, TN; and his sister, Isonia (Finch) McLean of Blue Springs, MS. Additionally, he leaves behind many nieces, nephews, friends, and loved ones throughout Gibson County and beyond.

Tommy and Reba were members of New Bethlehem Baptist Church in Dyer, Tennessee.

Tommy’s visitation and funeral services will be held at New Bethlehem Baptist Church in Dyer, Tennessee on Sunday, February 2, 2025. Visitation will be held between 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm, with funeral services to begin at 3:00 pm. Bro. John Coleman will officiate, with Karnes & Sons Funeral Home overseeing the arrangements.

Following services, Tommy will be laid to rest at Oakwood Cemetery in Dyer, Tennessee.

Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital (https://www.stjude.org/) or to a charity of your choice.