Finis Marable

Finis Marable

Age 86

Speedwell, TN

Finis Allen Marable, born June 11, 1923 in Huntingdon, Carroll County, Tennessee, the third son of the late William Bates and Annie Mae Broaddus Marable. Finis was a direct descendent of George Marable who arrived as an indentured servant in the colony of Jamestown, Virginia, in 1652. This family continues to be a prosperous one, and has spread far and wide throughout the United States, however, the majority of Finis' descendants settled in the Middle Tennessee area where their first established residence was in what is now Rutherford County.

The Marable family was a hearty group, willing to take on any challenge and work until it was completed, and Finis lived up to that standard, as well. He also remained a simple man who chose to help others rather than gather inordinate wealth for himself. Not only was Finis a gentleman, he was also a gentle man who loved all people, rich or poor, young or old alike, and he never met a stranger.

At age 16, he and his best friend decided to run away from home and join the Army to help support the cause. World War II was beginning to explode and they both felt they could contribute by showing their allegiance through enlistment. So, early one morning, instead of going to school, both boys hitch-hiked the 30 miles from Erin to Clarksville, TN, the induction point, and lied about their ages to earn admission into the cavalry, as it was known then. All too quickly, Finis found himself in the thick of things, as immediately after boot camp, he was sent to California where he worked for 15 months helping gather Japanese individuals and transport them to an internment camp where they stayed until the end of the war.

When that task was completed, he was sent to Africa and on into Italy where he worked as a guard at a Prisoner-of-War Camp near Naples, Italy. There, he quickly attained the rank of Sergeant. Finis remained in the Army for 5 years and during that time he was awarded several medals for his service, including the Bronze Star for valor above and beyond the call of duty. When questioned about this, he refused to discuss the details and said it simply wasn't important.

All his life, Finis maintained a quick wit and had a joke for every occasion, and he was never at a loss for words. He would readily mix with pauper or prince and enjoyed every interaction. His memory never failed, and he was able to recall details of events in recent or far past with equal ease.

He was a member of the Hazard Lodge # 676, F.& A.M. in Hazard, KY, where he acheived 32 degree status and participated in their activities as long as he maintained residence in Perry County.

He worked for 30 years for General Telephone Company in many capacities and still has friends from his work environment who remember him with much pleasure.

Finis was preceded in death by his parents, Bates and Annie Broaddus Marable; three brothers, Edward, Hartwell, and John; and three, sisters, Elizabeth, Frances and Mary Evelyn.

He is survived by Jane Marable Bowen, his only child from his first marriage, and her husband, Danny, their daughter, Becky Jent and her husband Jeffrey, and two great granddaughters, Jasmine and Jacklyn.

Through his marriage to his second wife, Ann who has shown her deep love and devotion for him throughout their years of marriage, he acquired a second family that he loved very dearly. This includes Pat and Jay Rice and their children, Jason and Tiffany; Lisa and Carl Perry and their children, Adam and Scott, and his wife, Rachel; and Mark and Teresa Nichols and their children, Isaiah, Olivia and Sophia.

Finis made a lasting memory in the hearts of each one of these individuals, as well as many in the communities where he has lived. He will be sorely missed by all.

Just weeks before his death, Finis accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his savior and his soul now resides in heaven with the family and friends who have preceded him in death.

Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Saturday at Reece Valley Chapel.

Burial in the Mountainview Cemetery. Grandsons & son-in-laws will serve as pallbearers. Military honors provided by Tri County Veterans Honor Guard.

Visitation 5-8 Friday with Masonic services at 8 at Reece Funeral Home and Valley Chapel 869 3651 or www.reecefh.com.