Phillip Finley

Phillip (Phil) Finley, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away at the age of 80. Born on September 10, 1946, in the quaint town of Mayland, Tennessee, Phil was the cherished son of Archie and Marie Finley. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Jewell and Betty, and his cherished daughter, Ann Marie.

He leaves behind his devoted wife, Cindy, his loving children, Beckie (Andy) and Damon (Alexis), five grandchildren-Wayne, Taylor (Derek), Emily (John), Joe, and Noah-and six great-grandchildren, LD, Hannah, Wyatt, Ella, Madeline, and Henry, and various nieces and nephews, all of whom were his pride and joy.

Phil's life was a testament to hard work and dedication. His early years were marked by industriousness and a spirit of adventure; as a young boy, he could be found delivering newspapers, mowing lawns, and even assisting with the operation of the Orange Springs ferry at just 14. His career path was as varied as it was fulfilling. He worked as a diver performing concrete testing for bridges and contributed his skills to Chris Craft Boats in South Florida. For nearly four decades, Phil was a trusted service technician at Sears, where his reliability and expertise were highly valued. After his retirement, he continued to share his talents at Ocala Eye, working in facilities for 18 years.Phil had a zest for life that was reflected in his hobbies and interests. An enthusiast of speed and mechanics, he was actively involved in the early days of the Gator Nationals and enjoyed working on anything with an engine, from cars and boats to farm equipment. His love for the outdoors was evident in his fondness for the mountains in the fall and his passion for boating and fishing.

Phil's most treasured moments were those spent with his family, whose presence made his eyes sparkle with joy. Known for his easygoing nature and his remarkable ability to fix and understand almost anything, he was a pillar of support for his neighbors, friends, and family. His curiosity was boundless, and he delighted in reading and learning about a wide range of topics, often finding himself lost in the pursuit of knowledge.

A celebration of Phil's life will be held on October 2, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the Countryside Funeral Home, located at 9185 NE Jacksonville Road, Anthony, Florida. A Visitation will be held 30 minutes prior to the service. Phil will be forever in our hearts and missed without measure. His legacy of love, kindness, and wisdom will continue to inspire all who knew him.