Donald Merideth Finney passed away peacefully Saturday night at his home after a life well lived and a brief illness.

He was predeceased by his parents, Everett and Helen Finney; his sister, Joan Waters and husband Sam; and Don’s lifelong friend, William “Bill” Woodard.

Born Nov. 9, 1934, Mr. Finney grew up in Louisville, Ky.

He was a very good baseball player, and according to Mr. Woodard, Mr. Finney had the skill to keep playing in college. Don’s life had a different purpose, though.

He earned a degree in electrical engineering from the University of Kentucky where he was a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity, graduating in 1956. Mr. Finney briefly participated in a unique training program for the Tank Corps during the Korean War. However, Mr. Finney’s purpose in life was to spread light. He was recruited by Westinghouse and joined the company. Don was able to distribute Westinghouse’s light, and his own, all over the globe.

He lived in Pittsburgh, Grand Rapids, Cincinnati and Richmond, where he was a member of the Jaycees.

During his travels, he collected and delivered friendship and light. After Westinghouse sent Mr. Finney to Vicksburg in 1970, he was home. He remained in Vicksburg with the company through its many iterations, traveling nationally and internationally.

Don spread light at many venues including Montana, Shanghai, the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles, and Clemson University’s Memorial Stadium.

He worked his craft until his retirement in 1998.

Don was a proud Kentucky man with a love of the Derby. He was a member of the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels, an avid golfer, tennis player, bowler, fisherman, and connoisseur of music and food.

He was known to argue the merits of musical genres, but he appreciated the power of all music.

By offering to feed all visitors to his home, Don often shared his generous nature, knowing the power that comes with a meal shared in kindness.

Don’s capacity to spread light and friendship was rewarded when he met Madge Denton of Cleveland. Introduced by mutual friends, it was love at first sight. They married on October 25, 1975, and began a life together, which they shared for forty-three years.

Don and Madge raised three children, Catherine Law Finney, Merideth Finney Garrigan and Donald Merideth “Merit” Finney Jr. Don and Madge built a home that always welcomed visitors with open arms. It has been a home filled with laughter and the freedom to be yourself. Don found joy in sharing his home with friends; old or new, he considered them family. This includes his church family at First Presbyterian Church, where Don has been loved and respected.

After having spent Thanksgiving surrounded by his family, Mr. Finney joined his parents; his sister; and his best friend to share the light and love beyond.

He is survived by his wife; his children; his five grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews; as well as the countless lives his kind humor and generous heart touched throughout his life.

The service to mark Mr. Finney’s passing will be 11 a.m. Friday at First Presbyterian Church.

Visitation will immediately precede the service from 9 to 11 a.m. Interment will follow at Cedar Hill Cemetery.

Pallbearers will include Merit Finney, Jeremy Finney, Sam Waters, Tom Waters and Tucker Garrigan.

Memorials can be made in lieu of flowers to First Presbyterian Church, Paws Rescue, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the American Heart Association.