Thomas “Tom” James Finnie Jr., 73, of Sulphur, passed away on Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024, at his residence. He was born to his late parents, Thomas Sr. and Virginia Finnie on Oct. 27, 1950, in Lake Charles.

A native and lifelong resident of Sulphur, Tom was a member of St. Theresa Catholic Church in Carlyss. Tom graduated from McNeese State University, was a proud member of the McNeese Band and the Marksmanship Team, and was an educator and Principal for 40 years in Calcasieu Parish. He was an avid woodworker and loved bird photography, gardening, hunting, fishing and grilling for his family.  He was an excellent golfer and was an avid fan of the New Orleans Saints and LSU Tigers. He was truly a jack of all trades and appreciated precision and perfection in his endeavors. Tom loved to tell corny jokes and enjoyed cheering on his family in all of their activities. He will be remembered as the best “Popsie” in the whole entire world. Tom truly adored his wife more than anything. 

Tom is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Doreen “Bo” Wynn Finnie of Carlyss; his daughters, Katie Finnie Maddox (Thomas) of Carlyss, Aimee Finnie Benoit (Michael) of Jennings, and Wendy Finnie of Ragley; sister, Betty Lou Finnie Drost of Lakeland, Fla.; three sisters-in-law, Sharon Ashford, Kitty Gavel (Jeff), and CiCi Gibson; 10 grandchildren, Andrew Benoit, Macie Maddox, Adison Finnie, Luke Benoit, Hallie Maddox, Seth Benoit, Grant Maddox, Anna Grace Kleinpeter, Emma Kate Kleinpeter, and Evie Kleinpeter; one great-granddaughter, Blakely Mae; two Goddaughters, Haley Gibson and Lindsey Myers; several nieces and nephews, along with his puppies, Mollie and Minnie. 

He is preceded in death by his parents; brothers-in-law, Kenny Drost and Dan Gibson; along with his in-laws, Jim and Lorraine Wynn, and his beloved Schnauzer, Maddie. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Theresa Catholic Church in Carlyss on Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2024, at 1 p.m., with Father John Welch and Father Jeffrey Starkovich officiating. Visitation will be at Hixson-Sulphur Memorial Funeral Home in Sulphur on Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2024, starting at 9 a.m.  The Rosary will be at 11:30 a.m., followed by the procession to the church for a 1 p.m. Mass. Burial will follow at Consolata Cemetery. 

Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.hixsonsulphurme morial.com.