Obituary of Irving Finney

Irving Finney passed away on October 23, 2014 after a courageous fight with Bone Cancer. Irving was born August 25, 1944, the first of eight children born to the late George and Mary Finney. Five of his siblings have predeceased him. Irving grew up in Powhatan, Virginia on the family farm and as a young boy attended Pine Hill Baptist Church in Powhatan. He also resided on Long Island, and Jamaica, New York. Not afraid of hard work, at 16 years old he went to work to help with family finances. In 1964 Irving married Carolyn Craft and to this union their daughter, Valerie Finney was born. Together they instilled in Valerie a strong appreciation for family history and education. Irving's sense of family along with his sense of hard work defined who he was. In 1990 he retired as a Bus Operator for the New York City Transit Authority after 21 years of service and returned to his roots in Powhatan, Virginia. From 1984 until his demise Irving enjoyed riding Harley Davidson Motorcycles. This hobby provided trips to most of the eastern United States and as far west as Wisconsin and Texas. Irving enjoyed not only the riding but also the camaraderie with many other bikers. He was known to talk about motorcycles for hours upon hours. He also participated in many biker charities. Riding his Harley was a huge part of Irving's life and earned him the following nicknames: Leader of the Pack, Pale Rider, Papa Smurf, Sarge, Captain and Trail Boss. Irving was a member of the Possie Motorcycle Club located in Victoria, VA, and they along with many other bikers are here today to celebrate his life. Irving leaves to mourn his passing, his loving wife Carolyn of 50 years, his daughter and son-in-law Valerie and Charles Stinson; two grandchildren, Donovan and Sydney Stinson; one brother, George Finney; one sister, Donna (Henry) Owens; sisters-in-law; Jacqueline Finney, Cheryl Finney, Kalimah Karim, Jo-Anne Craft, Barbara Johnson, .Laura Lowery, Tina McRae, and numerous loving aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.