of Little Rock, AR
May 23, 1947 - April 18, 2024
Robert Lyndon Finney, age 76, of Little Rock, Arkansas went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, April 18, 2024. He was born on May 23, 1947 in Fort Smith, Arkansas to the late Nolan and Louise Finney. He is preceded in death by his sister, Gail Finney and infant son, Chad Jeremy Finney.
Lyndon studied music and journalism at the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, where he was also a member of the Arkansas Razorback Marching Band.
His journalism career began as Sports Editor for the Southwest Times Record in Fort Smith, Arkansas. He then moved to Little Rock to become the Sports Editor at the Arkansas Democrat where he was later promoted to Assistant Managing Editor. Following his tenure at the newspaper, he became the Director of Public Relations for Baptist Health. In 2004, Lyndon became the editor of The Trucker newspaper, the Truckload Authority (a trade magazine for the Truckload Carriers Association) and was named Editor Emeritus of The Trucker in 2023. He also served on the Board of the Arkansas Baptist News Magazine, where he was chairman three times.
In 1973, Lyndon was hired as the Organist at Immanuel Baptist Church in downtown Little Rock before moving to the west Little Rock location. His ministries at Immanuel included serving as a member of the Orchestra where he was a percussionist, Director of the Immanuelaires Men's Quartet, Director of Handbells, played for countless rehearsals, worship services, weddings and funerals. Lyndon retired from Immanuel in 2019 after 46 years of ministry.
During his ministry in music, Lyndon played for the funeral service of United States Senator, John L. McClellan, played for Ecumenical Services and for the choir and orchestra at the Inauguration of President Bill Clinton in 1993 and 1997. Lyndon appeared on Good Morning, Canada and served on the Board of the Arkansas Hospital Association.
His love of sports led him to become a college baseball umpire and he would later coach and pitch for the Immanuel Men's Softball Team and coach the Immanuel Women's Softball Team.
Survivors include his wife of 54 years, Donna Kay (Farrar) Finney; his three children, Christa Finney of Bryant, AR, Shawn Finney (Pam) of Rhome, TX and Merritt Finney of Little Rock, AR; five grandchildren, Jack Finney, Owen Finney, Emma Finney and Ryan Finney all of Rhome, TX and Charlie Rausch of Little Rock, AR; along with numerous cousins.
A visitation will be from 5:00pm until 7:00pm on Tuesday, April 23, 2024 at Immanuel Baptist Church.
Burial will be at 11:00am on Wednesday, April 24, 2024 at Pinecrest Memorial Park followed by funeral services at 1:00pm at Immanuel Baptist Church, 501 North Shackleford Road, Little Rock, AR 72211.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Little Rock Chapter of the American Heart Association.
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21 Condolence(s)
Becky Jo Kerr Green & Rebekah Kerr
Saturday, April 27, 2024
Donna - I am so sorry to hear of Lyndon's passing. When I visited church with Mother I always enjoyed his organ playing. I know he will be missed by all. Mother is in a nursing home but I am sending her prayers and thoughts to all of you.
Michael McClanahan
Wednesday, April 24, 2024
I have many fond memories of Lyndon! My heart breaks for the family. He was an amazing man!
Dr Jo Chesser
Wednesday, April 24, 2024
I feel that we began our grief of losing Lyndon during Covid years as we missed his magnificent ability to bring our hearts to worship and comfort during those tough times. I was so very sorry to know he was sick and told him so, but missed saying thank you once again this last period of illness. My prayers and thoughts continue for his family during these days. Thank you for sharing him with the congregation for the glory of God and Jesus Christ, his Saviour.
Steven Sardelli
Tuesday, April 23, 2024
I had known Lyndon for over 20 years and worked with him for most of those 20 years at The Trucker. Lyndon was an incredibly good and kind soul. I marveled at his compassion, humanity, passion and breadth of knowledge. He left an indelible mark on this world, and will do the same in the next.
Emily Sneddon
Tuesday, April 23, 2024
Dear Donna and Family, I am so saddened to hear of Lyndon's passing. I have fond memories of him from my days at the Arkansas Democrat. Peace and comfort to you and the family during this hard time.
Linda Garner-Bunch
Tuesday, April 23, 2024
Lyndon was truly a beautiful soul — and a wonderful colleague, mentor and friend. I was (and still am) in awe of his kindness and faith. Donna, my heart and prayers are with you, the children and grandchildren.
Dee and Dale Carter
Tuesday, April 23, 2024
Having recently lost my Dad, I know what you are going through. Daddy’s are so very special! Our heartfelt love and prayers to you all.
JOHN PETTYJOHN
Monday, April 22, 2024
LYNDON and I began our friendship as young children. We lived across the street from one another in Ft. Smith. Our families built homes in NE FortSmith. Lyndon and I grew up together. We have not been close last30 + years,but he was always in my heart.I Loved Lyndon Finney ..
Frank Baker
Monday, April 22, 2024
Shawn and Merritt,
allow me to extend my deepest condolences to you and your family and friends.
Libbie Dougan
Monday, April 22, 2024
Dear Donna, et al, Please accept my sincerest condolences for the loss of Lyndon. I am asking The Holy Spirit to pour His peace and contentment, comfort and joy, down over you all, like warm honey. Lyndon was, not only a gifted musician, but, a wonderful Christian man. Thank you all, for allowing me to enjoy his music. AND, to know him. Blessings!!—-Libbie Dougan. Phil. 4:13
Thelma poole
Monday, April 22, 2024
I was saddened by the loss of Lyndon. Donna, I bet our two Lyndons are in heaven together rehashing childhood times.
Kathy Adkisson
Monday, April 22, 2024
Donna & Family, my prayers are with you for your loss. Lyndon did such a beautiful job playing the organ for my husband’s service. I will always remember his kindness. We were so fortunate to have him at Immanuel for so many years and we were all blessed by his talent.
Sincerely,
Kathy Adkisson
Mary McIntire
Monday, April 22, 2024
Donna, I was so sorry to hear of Lyndon's passing. He was such a wonderful and talented man of God, and had such a serving heart. I rarely saw him that he didn't smile. You have both been such a blessing through your Christian walk. I will continue to keep you and your family in my prayers. May God bless, comfort and give you peace.
Gary & Debbie Johnson
Sunday, April 21, 2024
Donna, our hearts go out to you and the family as you walk through these sad days! The Lord used Lyndon and his tremendous talent to bless members of Immanuel Baptist Church for many years!! He directed me in handbells and was Gary’s softball coach. We send our love and our prayers for comfort and strength!! Gary & Debbie Johnson
Sonya Hodge
Sunday, April 21, 2024
Donna, Lyndon was a special friend to me. He was kind and helpful when I worked at the church. He was always smiling and I loved his laugh! I appreciated him more than I ever let him know I’m sure! We could all take lessons from his servant attitude. Blessings for you and your family now and always.
Sonya Hodge
Dan Hennessey
Sunday, April 21, 2024
Dear Donna and family,
Beth and I send our prayers and sympathy for your loss of Lyndon. He was such a kind man with a quick smile. He never failed to brighten my day when I saw him at the eye clinic and Beth considered him a good friend in their shared time at Baptist Health. May you all find hope and consolation in the promise of Easter.
Libby Bunch
Sunday, April 21, 2024
Dear Donna,
My heart grieves for you and your family. I'm praying for peace and comfort in the coming days. What a legacy Lyndon leaves. Truly a man of God and an IBC legend. Wendy, Lana, and I send our love.
Pat Qualls
Sunday, April 21, 2024
Dear family, my deepest sympathy in the loss of your beloved Lyndon. I have such fond memories of Lyndon during my time as a member of Little Rock’s Immanuel Baptist Church. He was a very gifted musician.
God’s peace and blessings to the family
Pat Qualls
Martha McCain Rounsaville
Sunday, April 21, 2024
Dearest Donna and your precious family, my heart breaks deeply for your loss. We will all see Lyndon again but it is so difficult to let go. In reading his story, wow, what a very full life he had. He will be greatly missed.
Dick and Sharron Reynolds
Saturday, April 20, 2024
Donna, we are sending our love and prayers to your family. Lyndon was such a fine person who lived a life that honored God in everything he did. Wish we lived close enough to be there for his service. Thank you for keeping us updated the last year.
Leslie Moore
Saturday, April 20, 2024
My love and prayers are with you and your family. Lyndon will forever remain in our hearts, along with the blessings of his talents!