Thomas G. Finley, 85, of Lantana, Texas, passed away on Monday, September 21, 2026. Tom was born on December 4, 1940, to Clark and Margaret Finley in Detroit, Michigan, and grew up in Plymouth.

Tom graduated from Harding University in Searcy, Arkansas, where he met Charlotte Iris Atkins, whom he would marry and share 63 years of marriage. Tom and Charlotte were married in her hometown of Mammoth Spring, Arkansas, on September 13, 1963, and moved to Plymouth, Michigan, where he began his accounting career with General Motors–Cadillac. In 1966, Tom accepted an accounting position with Monsanto and moved with the company to Plainview, Texas; St. Louis, Missouri; and El Dorado, Arkansas. He later worked for Helena Chemical in Memphis, Tennessee, and Gress Equipment Company in Marietta, Ohio, where he served as Chief Financial Officer. Upon retiring from Gress, Tom and Charlotte moved to Gilbert, Arizona, to be near Tom’s parents. In 2013, they relocated to Flower Mound, Texas, and moved to nearby Lantana in 2020.

Tom was deeply rooted in his faith and committed to service in the local church. He freely gave his time, talent and treasure in service to others in each community where he lived. He studied diligently, taught Bible classes and regularly hosted various events and gatherings. Tom and Charlotte frequently befriended those who had nowhere to turn, sometimes inviting them to live in their home. They gave generously, often putting the needs of others ahead of their own. Tom served as a carpenter during the expansion of the Sun Valley Church building. Following Hurricane Katrina, he drove to New Orleans and joined a group of volunteers he had never met to help “muck out” flooded homes. After retirement, his love of serving people led him to volunteer at the information desk at DFW Airport and at Texas Health, and to drive a box truck collecting donations for the Christian Community Action (CCA) Food Market.

Tom was selected to serve as a deacon for the College Avenue Church of Christ in El Dorado and as an elder for the Sixth and Washington Church of Christ in Marietta, the Sun Valley Church of Christ in Gilbert, and the Lewisville Church of Christ. He was known for his calm demeanor; his diligent, knowledgeable yet humble approach to matters of theology and personal relationships; and his eagerness to listen before speaking. His reasonableness was evident to all.

Tom was highly effective in business. During his 18 years of financial stewardship, Gress Equipment grew from a single John Deere dealership into a 10-location multi-state operation. Tom helped take the company from key-punch accounting to a networked computer system and developed systems for economic forecasting and measuring departmental profitability that were at the forefront of the industry. The company’s owners admired Tom’s character and integrity and credited him with contributing greatly to its success, with one partner writing that Tom “may well be the standard by which other CPAs should be measured.” Affectionately known as “Father Tom,” he influenced the company’s culture and started the practice of prayer before company dinners.

As a boy, Tom worked on his Grandpa Finley’s farm and delivered newspapers morning and evening. He had little time for organized sports, but made up for lost time in college, where his natural athleticism and competitive spirit became apparent. Tom competed in every intramural sport offered—from swimming and basketball to college-wide sit-up and pull-up contests—a requirement for consideration as Harding University’s Intramural Athlete of the Year, an honor he received for 1961–62. After college, Tom became an avid runner, posting exceptional times as he advanced through the age groups. He logged 2,500 miles in one year and ran one marathon.

Tom agreed with the writer of Ecclesiastes that there was “nothing better from the hand of God” than to find joy in one’s work, to do good and to gratefully enjoy the life God has given. Looking back on his own life, Tom wrote that he had been “happy and content with whatever circumstances I found myself – still am.” He attributed that contentment to a lifelong trust—first in his parents and, as an adult, in the Lord. “Neither has ever failed,” he wrote. That happiness spilled naturally into the way he greeted people—with genuine enthusiasm, as though there was no one he would rather see. He wanted to know how you were, listened closely to the answer, and remembered the little things. In that simple way, Tom had a gift for making people feel that they truly mattered to him.

Tom is survived by his wife, Charlotte; his sister, Marilyn; his sons, David (wife, Deb), Jon (wife, Lynna), and Paul (wife, Michelle); his grandchildren, Alex (wife, Tori), Peyton, Ty (wife, Tracy), Faith, Levi (wife, Katy), Pierce (wife, Olivia), and Mallory; and his seven great-grandchildren.

Last Words

I have known laughter, love and tears Security, hope, troubles, even fears. God, family, loved ones and friends After storms quiet moments happiness without end.

I knew lovely flowers, sunshine and rain Beautiful warm beaches enjoyed each sandy grain. My soul now is free to soar in the sky Where each breath can sing praise, to God on high.

Dear ones, please, for me do not mourn For to this very end we all are born. Ours is but by His plan to live Then for that last journey our passage He’ll give.

The way to heaven is not directed by man Our only hope, is to follow His plan. Hold fast His words and firmly stand Not captured by philosophies, deceptions or traditions of man.

Thru His shed blood and my constant prayer My citizenship is in heaven, my inheritance is there. His hand will guide you, His promises are true. Will you meet me up there? It’s all up to you!

Tom selected this poem written by his friend Sharlet Lee to express his feelings about his transition from this life to the next.

Lovingly

SHARLET LEE