[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 7 (Thursday, January 21, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E58]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       HONORING THE LIFE OF REGINALD ``JACK'' HORACE FINNEY, JR.

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                           HON. RALPH M. HALL

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, January 21, 2010

  Mr. HALL of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and 
accomplishments of a man who generously helped shape his state and 
community. Jack Finney of Greenville, Texas passed away on January 1, 
2010, at the age of ninety-three.
  Jack was born to Reginald Horace Finney Sr. and Valma Bracken in 
Commerce, Texas on August 15, 1916. Finney attended Paris High School 
in Paris, Texas. He later graduated from Texas A&M in College Station 
with a degree in agricultural administration.
  Jack founded Finney's Holsum Bread Company in Greenville shortly 
after graduation. At age thirty-six, Jack was appointed to the Texas 
A&M Board of Directors where he recruited the famous ``Junction Boys'' 
football coach Paul ``Bear'' Bryant. President and CEO of the 
Association of Former Students at Texas A&M University, Porter Garner, 
called Finney a great Aggie and states, ``He was always there when 
Texas A&M needed him.''
  Jack was a proud resident of Greenville, stating in a 2006 interview, 
``I could've left Greenville when I sold the bakery, but I stayed here. 
This is where I was meant to be.'' He donated land to the city where a 
public library and swimming pool now sit. He was also a major 
contributor to the nearby Texas A&M University at Commerce and Hunt 
Memorial Hospital District Foundation.
  Jack was preceded in death by his wife, Lou House Finney. He will be 
missed by his large family and the grateful citizens of Greenville.
  Madam Speaker, Jack Finney was my good friend for many years. I could 
always rely on Jack to give me his honest opinion about any issue--as 
well as his support. Jack was the heart and soul of Greenville, and he 
will be greatly missed. As we adjourn today, let us do so in memory of 
this great American, Jack Finney.

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