Caring colleague

By Jim Nichols, retired distinguished professor and associate dean, College of Education

I knew the first time I met Ron Finley that we would be friends. I had no idea that our friendship would last almost 45 years. Our paths first crossed at church in Camden, Arkansas. We soon realized that we would not only be worshiping together but also working together in the Fairview School System. I was the new principal, and he was already the school counselor. Ron proved to be a very valuable co-worker. I could always count on him to get a job done and to do it well. I cannot remember a time when he was not willing to at least try whatever task he was asked to do. In later years, he said maybe there were times he shouldn’t have been so accommodating, such as directing the school’s senior play when he had zero experience. I’m not sure that he ever forgave me for talking him into doing that.

It was only after one year of working for Harding that I learned of a job opening in the registrar’s office. Immediately, I thought of Ron. I encouraged him to apply, and he was hired as assistant registrar. He was later named registrar when Virgil Beckett retired. Ron served the office and Harding well during those years. He was committed to excellence in his work and was always on board when new ideas needed to be implemented. His daily demeanor at work was one of a quiet, patient, kind and caring person. Through the years I’ve heard many “Mr. Ron” stories from my daughters who worked for him during their college years. They admired and respected the way he handled life and work situations.

With both of us working at Harding, it was easy to keep our friendship intact. We often had lunch together, especially after the untimely death of his wife, Linda. That was a difficult time for Ron, but with the combined efforts of his church family, those of us at Harding, and especially his office staff, we loved and helped in the ways that we could. Left with the task of raising his three boys by himself, Ron met the challenge. With his faith in God, his job as a father was successful as is evident in the lives of Jon, Ben and Stephen.

What a blessing it was when Billie came into Ron’s life. She was the perfect match for him. They complemented each other and had fun with their travels. They became a team in their work for Harding and the church. They worked hard at making their blended family a loving and caring one. My wife and I admired the respect they had for each other’s former spouses. They were often referenced along with the children and grandchildren stories. As a couple, they were good, supportive friends, and we are thankful for all that we shared with them.

When I think of Ron, I think of many descriptive words, but most of all, I remember that he was my friend, my colleague and my brother in Christ. I will miss him and think of him often, but I will rejoice in the fact that he is safe in the promise of eternity with God.

Ronald Gene Finley , 72, of Searcy died March 18, 2019. He received an M.A. in counseling from the University of Arkansas. He served as assistant registrar at Harding from 1978-88, and as registrar until 2006. He served as a major in the U.S. Army and was a deacon at College Church of Christ. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Linda Needham, and granddaughter Melanie Cox. He is survived by his wife, Billie Fairley (’67); three sons, Jon (’95), Benjamin (’99) and Stephen (’01); three stepchildren, Maleah Bufford, Shane Fairley and Paige Talley (’01); two brothers, Tony (’80) and Joe (’78); and 15 grandchildren.