Senate Resolution 1036
By: Senators Davenport of the 17th, James of the 28th, Jones of the 10th and Anderson of
the 43rd
A RESOLUTION
Honoring the life and memory of Deacon Willie David “Bill” Finch; and for other purposes.
WHEREAS, the State of Georgia mourns the loss of one of its most distinguished citizens
with the passing of Deacon Willie David “Bill” Finch on March 15, 2026; and
WHEREAS, Deacon Willie David “Bill” Finch was born on August 25, 1935, in Barnett,
Warren County, Georgia, a beloved son of Tommie Finch, Sr., and Ida Mae Finch; and
WHEREAS, he was united in love and marriage to his wife, Annie Bell Pittman-Finch, and
was blessed with seven remarkable children, 13 grandchildren, and 18 great grandchildren;
and
WHEREAS, the couple moved the Forest Park, Georgia, in 1958 and remain among the
longest residents in Forest Park; and
WHEREAS, Bill was known as a trailblazer not only in Forest Park but also in Clayton
County and the State of Georgia; and
WHEREAS, he was the first of two African American men to own a Gulf Oil Gas Station
in the State of Georgia; played an integral role in his 11-year-old son, Rodney, becoming the
first Black athlete to integrate Forest Park athletics in football and baseball; and was the first
Black man to coach Little League Baseball; and
WHEREAS, the doors Bill opened for his community not only changed the lives of countless
children in the State if Georgia, but also allowed his son, Rodney, to be drafted by the
Atlanta Braves; and
WHEREAS, although he never ran for political office, he was known as one of the best
politicians in Clayton County, offering his support and friendship to many key political
figures in the county; and
WHEREAS, a compassionate and generous man, Bill will long be remembered for his love
of family, friendship, and community and will be missed by all who had the great fortune of
knowing him.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body
join in honoring the life and memory of Deacon Willie David “Bill” Finch and express their
deepest and most sincere regret at his passing.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed
to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to the family of
Deacon Willie David “Bill” Finch.