of Little Rock, AR
February 18, 2017
Joe Charles Finnell, 90, of Little Rock, passed into the light on February 18, 2017. He was born in Cleveland, TN, to the late Peter Lacewell and Catherine Officer Finnell. Prior to graduating from Lincoln Memorial University, Joe served in the US Army during WWII. He went on to receive his Masters from Baylor Medical School. He was influential in starting and teaching in the Physical Therapy program at the University of Central Arkansas in Conway.
Along with his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife, Mary Isabel Hanna Finnell; son, Charles Albert Finnell; and his 14 siblings.
Joe is survived by his son, Fergus Finnell and wife, McLees Baldwin; brother-in-law, Albert Hanna; sister-in-law, Joy Sugg and husband, Sidney; as well as, nieces, nephews, and extended family and friends.
Graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 25, at Woodlawn Cemetery in El Dorado, AR. Arrangements are under the direction of Roller-Chenal Funeral Home (501) 224-8300.
Memorials may be made to the Joe C. Finnell Physical Therapy Scholarship Fund at the University of Central Arkansas, UCA Box 4986, 2490 Bruce Street, Conway AR 72035.
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5 Condolence(s)
Paul Gomia
Monday, January 10, 2022
Joe was one of my instructors when at Baylor University Grady Vaughn School of Physical Therapy in Dallas Texas in 1966-1967
Venita Lovelace-Chandler
Friday, February 24, 2017
All the citizens of Arkansas benefitted from the physical therapy program founded at the University of Central Arkansas by Mr. Joe Finnell. He produced many skillful therapists who provided excellent care to Arkansans and to people in other states. He was a leader in the early, national physical therapy school directors' group. The story of how he met Izzie in his own program always made me smile.
Nancy Berryman Reese
Friday, February 24, 2017
Please accept the sympathy and condolences of all the faculty in the Department of Physical Therapy at UCA. I just today learned of Joe's death. He is a legend around here. For me personally, he was a mentor, a teacher, and a dear friend and colleague. He recruited me to the UCA faculty and I remember him with great love and fondness. There are so, so many people in the physical therapy community that Joe taught and influenced. He did a great service for this state when he started the first Physical Therapy program in Arkansas. His photograph hangs in the foyer of our department and we will always remember what he did for physical therapy in Arkansas. It was an honor and a privilege to call him a colleague and friend.
May God be with all of his family and friends in this time of grief.
Nancy Berryman Reese
Professor and Chair, UCA Department of Physical Therapy
Steve Johnson
Friday, February 24, 2017
I did not know Joe personally, but I know his son Fergus and therefore know that Joe must have been a wonderful father, teacher and friend to have raised such a thoughtful and compassionate person as Fergus.
It was an honor and privilege to have known Joe through his family and to understand the wonderful gifts Joe gave to his family, friends and students throughout the years.
Rest in peace Professor Finnell.
Leslie Nolen Bennett
Friday, February 24, 2017
Saddened to hear of the passing of my great uncle, Joe Charles. Praying for the family during this time of sorrow.