RIP: Harold Fincher

Harold Fincher addressing Honors Seminar Class

The SAU Honors College lost the first person to ever become a member of its Honors Council recently. Harold Fincher served the Honors College with distinction as he served every other community council that he sat on.

His generosity knew no bounds, whether giving of his time or treasure. Many students unknowingly benefited from his largesse as he donated funds to help them without claiming any recognition for himself. He told me that if the Honors College ever needed anything all I had to do was ask.

Harold was one of a kind. Everyone who ever interacted with him learned that within seconds of making his acquaintance. His sharp mind worked in an amazing way. He seemed to wander around a subject but soon his listeners discovered that he had a purpose all along. They soon understood exactly what he was trying to explain.

I first met Harold in the middle of Lake Erling. I was fishing with Linton Yarbrough and Harold was fishing with an elderly Black man. Four hands held the two jonboats together as we made our acquaintances. From that point on he and I became fast friends. When my father spent a week with me, he and Harold fished together. Later still he and my children fished with him. I remember one cold winter day on his pond with him and all three of my children. Uncharacteristically, he did not catch a single fish and neither did any of us. After about three hours we decided to call it a day. He wryly noted, "Well, y'all lasted a lot longer than I thought you would!" We then piled back into his Cadillac and went home.

I guess he's gone home now. Heaven surely will welcome him. I'm happy to have known him and had the privilege to spend so much time with him. I'll miss him. RIP