Lionel Nathaniel Finley, Sr. was born in Hampton, Virginia on August 31, 1948 to the late Mary Ruffin. He was the eldest of three children and grew up in the surrounding community.

Lionel earned his education at Hampton High School in Hampton, Virginia, where he was an avid athlete. He excelled on the football field as a talented quarterback and wide receiver. He also played basketball and received an MVP award. After his high school graduation, Lionel worked in the commercial trucking industry driving an 18-wheeler for 12 years.

In 1982, Lionel found his calling as a Redcap Baggage Assistant with Amtrak and for three decades he took great pride in assisting travelers. His dedication to his work and his kindness toward passengers were hallmarks of his long and respected career until he retired.

Lionel's life was significantly shaped by his deep passion for sports and his dedication to community. He began coaching his sons in football at the tender age of five and later served as a respected football, basketball, and baseball coach at the community recreation center. His commitment extended to establishing local football teams in Silver Spring, Maryland, including the Woodland Tigers and Rosemary Raiders. Beyond the playing fields, Lionel was a part of the Black Panther Party. In his professional life, he became a real estate appraiser in 2008 and a state of NC Notary Public in 2020.

Lionel's deep faith was expressed through his love of music. He was a cherished member of Union Baptist Church in High Point, North Carolina where he found great joy in singing with the Male Chorus, using his gift to praise the Lord.

On Sunday morning, September 21, 2025, Lionel quietly departed his earthly life in the comfort of his home surrounded by loving family members who provided exemplary care for him during his illness.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Mrs. Odessa Parker Finley, of 40 years, who passed in 2018. Together they raised three children, Lonnie Finley, Jr. (Diane) of Cary, North Carolina, Derek Finley (Lisa) of Wendell, North Carolina, and Kristopher Finley (Kisha) of Columbia, Maryland. After Mrs. Odessa's passing, Lionel was blessed to find love again with Janie Gatling Finley and became a loving stepfather to her four daughters, Crystal Rook of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Tiffany Rook of Kernersville, North Carolina, Janie D. Gatling of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and Oreine Robinson of Brooklyn, New York.

Lionel leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife, Janie Gatling Finley; his three sons; his four stepdaughters; his sister, Delores Joseph and his brother, Edwin Joseph both of San Diego, California; nine grandchildren, Gabrielle, D'Amonte, Caleb, Isaiah, Derek, Jr., Omari, Amani, Aurora, and Miguel; one great granddaughter, Rielle; and a host of loving nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

A viewing will be held from 1:00pm until 5:00pm Friday, September 26, 2025 at Russell Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00am Saturday, September 27, 2025 at Union Baptist Church. Interment will be held in the Gilfield Baptist Church Cemetery, Ivor, VA.