John Elijah Finch

John Elijah Finch, age 96 of Wake Forest, passed away peacefully on Thursday March 16, 2023. He was born on March 6, 1927 in Franklin County to George Henry and Nannie (Pergerson) Finch. John was one of eight children in a large and lively household.  He enlisted in the Army in 1945 at the age of eighteen and served his country proudly as a member of the Military Police in occupied Europe.  After returning from Europe, he attended Louisburg College before he commenced his career with Burlington Industries, where he was employed for over 35 years. He stared as an hourly worker and concluded his career as a member of the management team at Burlington’s Wake Forest facility.  

He is survived by his wife Rose (Smith) Finch of Wake Forest; his son, John B. Finch and wife Susan S. Finch of Raleigh, and beloved grandson, Forrest Finch, of State College, Pennsylvania.   He is also survived by his sister, Nan Eubanks of Raeford, and his brother, Joseph Finch of Louisburg, as well as many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. John loved all of the members of his extended family, including his many Smith relatives living in Vance County and elsewhere.  

John attended South Main Baptist Chapel in Wake Forest and professed his Christian faith his entire life.   We are confident that he is now standing in the presence of Jesus Christ.

Family will receive friends from 12 to 1pm on Tuesday followed by a funeral service in the Chapel in Bright Funeral Home at 1pm. Interment will follow at Pine Forest Memorial Gardens on Stadium Drive.

The Bright Funeral Home is serving this family.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.