Ronald "Ron" L. Finney

Ronald “Ron” L. Finney Sr., 92, of Chapin, South Carolina, passed away peacefully at home on February 21, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

Born on August 27, 1932, in Maywood, Illinois, to Thomas and Roberta Finney, Ron graduated from Bismark High School before enlisting in the United States Air Force on May 16, 1953. He trained as a pilot and flew C-130 aircraft in the Vietnam War, serving with distinction and retiring as a Major on March 31, 1972.

Following his military service, Ron embraced a life of adventure, traveling the country in his Cadillac. Over the years, he made 14 round trips to Alaska, exploring every navigable road in the state. In 2013, after years of entering the Denali National Park Road Lottery, he was awarded the opportunity to drive the iconic road, a highlight of his travels.

Throughout his journeys, Ron cherished time with his family. He never missed an opportunity to visit his brother, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, creating lasting memories along the way.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas G. Finney and Roberta M. Finney. He is survived by his brother, Gerald F. Finney (Judy Finney); children, Ronald L. Finney Jr., Cindera Smith (Andrew Smith), and Karen Burdette (Mark Burdette); grandchildren, Jennifer Beckett (Allen Beckett), Jordan Love, Rhett Finney, and Webb Hampton; and great-grandchildren, Ella Page Beckett, Jack Beckett, Calynn Wille, and Alara Wille.

A Celebration of Life Graveside Committal will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, March 14, 2025 at Sunset Memorial Park in Danville, Illinois, 3901 N Vermilion Street, Danville, IL 61832. Miles Clark will officiate. Burial will be in Sunset Memorial Park with Military Rites accorded by American Legion Post 210 Honor Guard. Visitation will be held from 1:00-2:00 PM on Friday, March 14, 2025 at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Danville, Illinois, 3940 N Vermilion St. Danville, Illinois 61834.

In Lieu of flowers, if so desired, a charitable donation in “Ronald Finney Sr” name can be made to the Gary Sinise Foundation, https://www.garysinisefoundation.org/ or any veteran charity of your choice.

Please join Ronald’s family in sharing memories, photos, and videos on his tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com .