of Little Rock, AR

May 23, 1947 - April 18, 2024

Robert Lyndon Finney, age 76, of Little Rock, Arkansas went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, April 18, 2024. He was born on May 23, 1947 in Fort Smith, Arkansas to the late Nolan and Louise Finney. He is preceded in death by his sister, Gail Finney and infant son, Chad Jeremy Finney.

Lyndon studied music and journalism at the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, where he was also a member of the Arkansas Razorback Marching Band.

His journalism career began as Sports Editor for the Southwest Times Record in Fort Smith, Arkansas. He then moved to Little Rock to become the Sports Editor at the Arkansas Democrat where he was later promoted to Assistant Managing Editor. Following his tenure at the newspaper, he became the Director of Public Relations for Baptist Health. In 2004, Lyndon became the editor of The Trucker newspaper, the Truckload Authority (a trade magazine for the Truckload Carriers Association) and was named Editor Emeritus of The Trucker in 2023. He also served on the Board of the Arkansas Baptist News Magazine, where he was chairman three times.

In 1973, Lyndon was hired as the Organist at Immanuel Baptist Church in downtown Little Rock before moving to the west Little Rock location. His ministries at Immanuel included serving as a member of the Orchestra where he was a percussionist, Director of the Immanuelaires Men's Quartet, Director of Handbells, played for countless rehearsals, worship services, weddings and funerals. Lyndon retired from Immanuel in 2019 after 46 years of ministry.

During his ministry in music, Lyndon played for the funeral service of United States Senator, John L. McClellan, played for Ecumenical Services and for the choir and orchestra at the Inauguration of President Bill Clinton in 1993 and 1997. Lyndon appeared on Good Morning, Canada and served on the Board of the Arkansas Hospital Association.

His love of sports led him to become a college baseball umpire and he would later coach and pitch for the Immanuel Men's Softball Team and coach the Immanuel Women's Softball Team.

Survivors include his wife of 54 years, Donna Kay (Farrar) Finney; his three children, Christa Finney of Bryant, AR, Shawn Finney (Pam) of Rhome, TX and Merritt Finney of Little Rock, AR; five grandchildren, Jack Finney, Owen Finney, Emma Finney and Ryan Finney all of Rhome, TX and Charlie Rausch of Little Rock, AR; along with numerous cousins.

A visitation will be from 5:00pm until 7:00pm on Tuesday, April 23, 2024 at Immanuel Baptist Church.

Burial will be at 11:00am on Wednesday, April 24, 2024 at Pinecrest Memorial Park followed by funeral services at 1:00pm at Immanuel Baptist Church, 501 North Shackleford Road, Little Rock, AR 72211.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Little Rock Chapter of the American Heart Association.

Obituary Provided By:
Roller-Chenal Funeral Home
13801 Chenal Parkway
Little Rock, AR  72211
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com