Tarboro –

Finnie Cherry, Jr., age 76, passed away peacefully Thursday, February 27, 2025 at Edgecombe Health & Rehab in Tarboro, North Carolina. He was born on June 18, 1948, in Edgecombe County to Finnie and Mildred Lucas Cherry. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of thirty-four years, Joyce Whitehurst Cherry; sister, Debra Proctor: and step-daughter, Tammy Caudell.

Finnie was born and raised in Edgecombe County and attended North Edgecombe High School. He dedicated over thirty years to Cummins (formerly CDC) until his retirement. Taking the skills he learned at his job, he worked on and fixed cars and trucks for his friends and family. After retirement, Finnie enjoyed fishing, working in the yard and watching the UNC Tarheels dominate in basketball. A devoted family man, he was a loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and friend, Finnie will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

He leaves wonderful memories for his son, Finnie "Tal" Cherry, III (Regina) of Tarboro; step-daughter, Linda Barfield (Lee) of Macclesfield; siblings, Linda Pulliam (Deemus) of Greensboro, Ruby Wood (Jimmy) of Elm City and Priscilla Cherry Winchester (Larry) of Tarboro; brother-in-law, Wayne Proctor of Elm City; childhood friend, Ronnie Wilson; along with several nieces, nephews and other extended relatives.

Finnie especially adored his grandchildren, Christopher Medford, Cody Cherry, Ethan Cherry, Kimberly Joyner, Chris Joyner, Tyler Barfield and Ashley Rose and great-grandchildren, Dominic Medford, Lilyana Harts and Bria, Jakoby and Kailey Pettaway.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00pm on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at Davis-Little Funerals, 2129 Lawrence Circle, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. The family will receive friends prior to the service beginning at 1:00pm.