Herbert "Herb" Finnell, age 81, of Paducah, went home to be with the Lord peacefully at 10:45 a.m. Tuesday, March 19, 2013, from his residence.
Born in Paducah during the Depression Years, coupled with his father's death when he was only 10 years old, Herb quickly learned the value of family and a strong work ethic.
Herb was a proud veteran of the U.S. Navy, having served during the Korean War aboard the U.S.S. Yarnell. He then served an additional four years in the U.S. Naval Reserves.
A born again believer, Herb was a faithful member of the Friendship Baptist Church. He was also a Duke of Paducah.
He began his floral career as a designer for Cherry the Florist. Later, Herb opened his own business, The Lone Oak Florist, which he operated successfully with his family for 21 years.
Herb was a loving husband, father, and grandfather.
He is survived by his faithful wife of almost 59 years, Margaret Dunlap Finnell; his two devoted daughters, Beverly Carter and her husband Wayne of Kevil, and Linda Smith and her husband Jim of Paducah. Herb is also survived by four grandchildren, Matt Carter, and his wife Melanie, Stephen Carter and his wife Natalie, Aaron Carter, Scott Smith, and Rachel Smith, all of Paducah. Additional survivors include his two great-granddaughters, Emily Paige Carter and Jessica Wyatt; along with a brother, Jimmy Finnell and his wife Nancy of Paducah; and a number of nieces and nephews.
Herb was preceded in death by a sister, Mary Stapleton; and five brothers, John Finnell, Owen Finnell, Preston Finnell, Charles Finnell and Bill Finnell.
His parents were Johnnie and Rowena Young Finnell.
A celebration of the life of Herbert "Herb" Finnell will take place at 11 a.m. Friday, March 22, 2013, at the Milner & Orr Funeral Home of Paducah with Dr. Jason Browning and the Rev. Wayne Carter officiating. Music for the service will be provided by Bobbie Sue Chumbler and Chad Davidson.
Burial with full military honors will follow in the Woodlawn Memorial Gardens.
Pallbearers will be Matt Carter, Stephen Carter, Aaron Carter, Scott Smith, Chris Peeler and Tom Lowe. Honorary pallbearers will be deacons from the church.
Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to the Friendship Baptist Church Building Fund, 146 South Friendship Road, Paducah, KY 42003.
Friends may visit with the family from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. Thursday, March 21, 2013, at the Milner & Orr Funeral Home of Paducah.
You may light a candle or leave a message of comfort at www.milnerandorr.com.
Read more: The Paducah Sun - Herbert 'Herb' Finnell