Robert Finley, Jr.

Robert E. "Eddie" Finley, Jr., also lovingly known as Dad and Popple, age 59 of Biloxi, entered his heavenly home on May 21, 2021. Eddie was born on February 14, 1962 in Gulfport to Betty Jane Mason Finley and Robert E. Finley, Sr.

Eddie was the type of person that would literally give someone the shirt off his back and did so on several occasions. He worked hard, loved at all times, and went out of his way for the benefit of others. Over the course of his life, Eddie drove thousands of miles to show support for his children and cut through miles of red tape to show love for his daughter. He was one to give up everything for his family and loved ones.

Eddie taught his sons what it meant to be a man. Stand up when a lady walks into the room; hold the door for a lady in all situations; say "yes, sir" and "yes, ma'am" at all times; look a man in the eye when you shake his hands. He taught so many valuable lessons.

As a father, he taught how to discipline fairly, love fiercely, and play hard. Eddie's words on parenting left a lasting mark on his family and all who knew him, "Your children don't care how much money you make, what you buy them, where you go, or what you do. The only thing that matters is you being there: every soccer game, every Boy Scout meeting, every dance recital. It doesn't matter. Be there or I'll kick you in the throat. Being a father is the greatest joy a man can ever have." As a husband, Eddie never stopped living out the vows he made to his wife. He loved and cherished her, protected her, and provided for her. Eddie brought her a cup of coffee every morning while they sat together and enjoyed each other's company.

It's safe to say that Eddie never met a stranger. In fact, as teenagers his sons would get aggravated when Eddie would stop for thirty minutes in a Walmart to talk with someone. Today, however, they realize how important these conversations were to his ministry. He grilled for truckers on holidays that were away from their families, brought water to construction workers wearing heavy clothing in August, bought meals for the homeless, and treated neighborhood children as his own. Simply put, he gave unconditionally.

Eddie was a dedicated Christian. He loved the Lord in the good times and the bad times. He fought through so much in his life but overcame every struggle through prayer and dedication. People say it takes a big man to admit he is wrong, but it takes an even bigger man to trust in Christ and Eddie did that without fail.

Eddie was his family's rock. He will be missed.

He was preceded in death by Robert E Finley, Sr., Betty Finley, and Jerry Polovich.

He is survived by his wife, Barbra Finley of Biloxi; children, James "Jimmy" Finley (Victoria) of Chatom, AL, Matthew Finley of Biloxi, and Bella Finley of Biloxi; grandchildren, Norah Jayne Finley, Addison Ruth Finley, and William Glynn Finley; siblings, Catherine Polovich of Gulfport and Mary Alice Davis (Robert) of Plano, TX; along with numerous loving family and friends to cherish his many memories.

Visitation will be held on Friday, May 28, 2021, at Northside Assembly of God, Lemoyne Blvd., from 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm. Memorial services will be at 4:00 pm.

RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, Biloxi, is serving the Finley family, and memories may be shared at www.riemannfamily.com .

Memorials may be made to CASA of Harrison County at casaharrisoncounty.org and Hope Outdoors at www.hopeoutdoors.org.