Jonathan Clark Finley

Jonathan Clark Finley, age 40 of Fordyce, died Tuesday, May 26, 2015. He was born June 9, 1974 in Fordyce. Jonathan excelled academically and athletically. He graduated from Fordyce High School in the top of his class, attended Arkansas Governor's School, and was a graduate of Hendrix College. Athletically, he excelled in tennis and cross country track at the local, district and state level. He was an accomplished musician presenting a Senior Piano Recital and also performing selections on his trumpet. His artistic giftedness was also expressed in his pen and ink drawings that he created especially for the people he loved. His family members treasure the hand-written expressions of his love for them. He loved his family and being "home" with them. The love of his life is his daughter, Gracie, who exhibits many of her Dad's attributes and talents. Jonathan had a giving heart and gentle spirit and would help anyone in need even if it meant giving them the shirt off his back. One of the things of which Jonathan was most proud was his service to his country as a member of the Arkansas National Guard. He was deeply patriotic. Jonathan had a deep love for philosophy and enjoyed intense discussions. As one of his friends commented recently, "Jonathan's mind traveled to deeper levels than most," as he was a very deep thinker. Jonathan is survived by his parents, Joe and Barbara Finley of Fordyce; his daughter Gracie Finley of Greenbrier; two brothers, Brian Finley and Tyler Finley both of Fordyce; and one sister, Allison Stroud and husband Greg of Hoover, Alabama. Visitation will be Thursday night from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Benton Funeral Home in Fordyce. Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Friday at First Baptist Church of Fordyce. Burial will follow at Freehouse Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church Children's Camp Fund. To sign the online register visit www.bentonfuneralhome.net.