Samuel Mark Finney
July 5, 1956 ~ September 23, 2006
Samuel Mark Finney, 50, of Wheeling, died September 23, 2006 in the Rocky Creek Healthcare Center in Columbus, Ohio. Born July 5, 1956 in Martins Ferry, Ohio, he was the son of the late Marvin and Virginia Bidka Finney.
Sam’s greatest pleasure in life was taking a job and improving its efficiency using all the skills God gave him before moving on. He eventually realized his dream of owning his own business, Candy Bouquet of Wheeling, and often gave unselfishly back to the community.
Sam is survived by his brother Stephen G. Finney and his wife Roseanna and nephew Timm (Otis) Shughart all of Wheeling, WV.
A memorial service will be held at 7:00PM Friday, July 27, 2007 at the Mt. Olivet United Methodist Church, Route 88 Fairmont Pike, outside of Bethlehem, WV.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Aids Task Force of the Upper Ohio Valley, P. O. Box 6360, Wheeling, WV 26003.
Share tributes and memories at www.grecohertnick.com
Funeral Home:
Greco Hertnick Funeral Home
3219 Main Street
Weirton, WV
US 26062
To paraphrase a quote from author Edna St. Vincent Milay: “Where you used to be, there is a hole in the world, which we find ourselves walking around during the day, and falling into at night. We miss you.” Sam had a way of bringing things to life, a way of making people feel good about themselves and that rare ability not to lose who he was in the process. I know I am a better, more accepting person because of Sam. My thoughts are with the Finney family. I wish you comfort at this time and always. Kelly, you were a blessing in Sam’s life and in mine as well. The hours I spent at the salon with you and Sam…all fond memories. God bless you, Sam. Rest peacefully and from the bottom of my heart, thank you for loving me and being my friend.
Sam was a very special person…I’ll never forget visiting his store for all the free samples! He will be greatly missed. Rick
I met Sam when he started working at Teletech in Moundsville, WV and when I moved to Columbus he moved here as well and we were both trying to get jobs at Verizon Wireless. I knew that he was sick and wondered why I stopped hearing from him because he was always good at keeping in touch. He was such a great person with a very unique personality. He was always cheerful and was great at making people laugh. He made me feel better on many occasions, he always had a way of making me smile. He was a great friend the short time that I knew him and I will never forget him, he will always be in my heart <3
Dear Sam, I was so surprised to read the paper and to see your obit. How could it be when you was so full of life. Always there for a friend to give a hug, a kind word or a smile. I can remember the many fun genealogical jaunts we made trying to dig up our ancestors … now you are amongst them. I know you missed your dear, sweet mother; now you lay in peaceful sleep with her. Little did I know that you were sick, Sam. I would have been there for you even if it had to be by phone. I sent e-mail only for it to return. I thought with moving to Columbus again you had a different address and with me moving and changing my address .. well, things happen. As you often said, “A Chinese cluster f*#@.!! I have so many fond memories and they will stay within the warmth of my heart. I will miss you. Love, Cindy
My deepest condolences to the family. I’m shocked and saddened to hear of Sam’s passing. It answers the question as to why none of us had heard from him in a while. Sam and I were classmates at Wheeling Beauty College back in the 70’s. There was never a dull moment when Sam was around! He had a gift for making people laugh and have fun! He never tried to be someone he wasn’t…and you just couldn’t help but like him just as he was! Many people, myself included, got to know him over the last 30 years and learned to appreciate his sense of humor and genuine, caring spirit. He was a kind-hearted soul and a true friend to many, and he’ll be in our hearts forever. I wish you peace, my friend, in your final resting place. We’ll never forget you…
Good Riddence
I met Sam through a mutual friend, Julie. What a fun guy, always smiling! There will never be a dull moment in heaven with Sam there! And, he made the best pumpkin fudge I have ever tasted. Thanks, Sam, may you rest in peace.
Sam taught me to lighten up. Not a big deal to some of you, but for me, that was groundbreaking. He let me know my hair didn’t have to be perfect. How’d he do that? He died it red, then orange,. Then, after it grew in some, he cut the sides very short, leaving the orange on top only. My wife and I took our first trip abroad that year. I fit right in at Piccadilly Circus. I realized that even with my orange hair, nobody was watching. Sam taught me that. I still haven’t forgiven him for the perm though. Miss you Sam.
I was so shocked when my best friend called to tell me of Mr. Finney’s death. She remembered how much respect I had for him as my teacher at Wheeling Beauty College. It was 24 years ago, but I still remember him fondly. He was one of a kind.
Roses of Life I’ve dreamed many dreams that never came true I’ve seen them vanish at dawn. But I’ve realized enough of my dreams, Thank God, To make me want to dream on. I’ve prayed many prayers, when no answers came, Though I waited patient and long, But answers came to enough of my prayers To make me keep praying on. I’ve trusted many a friend that failed And left me to weep alone, But I’ve found enough of my friends true blue To make me keep trusting on. I’ve seen many seeds that fell by the way For the birds to feed upon But I have held enough golden sheaves in my hand To make me keep sowing on. I’ve drained the cup of disappointment and pain And gone many days without song, But I’ve sipped enough nectar from the roses of life To make me want to live on. ~~~~~Author Unknown~~~~~ Rest in peace, Sammy and enjoy the fruits and roses of the beautiful years of your life.
Friends be joys beyond a timeless way, each with their own moments wherein to stay. An inspiration they be in this dark world we see, all ignorance and pain destroyed by their lengthy swords. Laughter and joy they do bring within, boundaries of devotion they do not steal. And yet upon a day when life be so gray, they change each thought for happiness to stay. Part not with those true at heart, yet they shall be allocated a time to depart. Their duty be to serve all with love, till the time comes when they must leave thy and part. Yet upon their leave they bestow a gift of not material wealth or happiness as such, but spiritual bliss to soar high above. Their role in life be to help all fallen souls, to regain their path and inner joys. So be not sad the day they depart, for they shall forever remain within your heart. —–Poem by Ash—- Rest in peace.
My deepest condolences to the family. Although there’s very little now that one can do or say, May these few words or sympathy help comfort you today And may you meet each day ahead with hope and courage, too, In knowing others understand and share your loss with you. I was shocked and saddened to hear of Sam’s passing, I will miss you Sam. With Deepest Sympathy Pat Arizona
Dear Sam, I miss you so much! I think about you all the time and it hurts, i’m waiting for it to get easier. You have always just been a phone call away and its strange not having you there. I know that you were only in my life a short time but you certainly made an impact. I only wish that I got the chance to let you know how much you meant to me. You were a great friend! For your sake I really hope that there is something better after death because you truly deserve it. You brought joy to everyone around you and really knew how to cheer someone up. You were a remarkable person and I will never forget you! your friend, Mandy
My Dear Sam, I loved you from the moment we met and I will continue to love you for all time. On earth our timing was always wrong, but when we meet once more our love will be eternal. Until we’re together again, sleep peacefully my love.