08/25/2025
Haw River
November 25, 1950 – August 21, 2025
Mr. Finley Leon McAdoo of Haw River, NC peacefully departed this life on August 21, 2025.
Finley was born on November 25, 1950, to the late Arthur and Lena McAdoo. A lifelong advocate for justice in education, Finley believed deeply in fairness, dignity, and the power of community to create change.
He attended Central High School in Hillsborough, NC, and graduated from Jordan Sellars High School. He served as a member of Mount Moriah Baptist Church in Mebane, NC, where his quiet faith continued to guide his life.
A little-known but cherished part of Finley’s legacy is that he was the Drill Team Leader at Efland Cheeks School, where he helped dance them to local notoriety and Drum Major at Central High School, where he led the band with pride. His leadership, rhythm, and charisma in those moments foreshadowed the steady presence he would later embody throughout his life.
Finley worked at Ball Corporation in Reidsville, NC, from 1979 for over 30 years until his retirement. He was a quiet man, steady and present, with a deep kindness that spoke louder than words. Whether through a warm gesture, a thoughtful silence, or a steady presence, Finley left a lasting impression on those who truly knew him.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur McAdoo and Lena McAdoo; three sisters, Corene McAdoo, Mary Browning, and Ernestine Cobb; and two brothers, George McAdoo and Maurice McAdoo.
Finley is survived by his faithful and loving wife, Dora McAdoo; son, Dr. Philip McAdoo (Sean); and daughter, Ershlena McDaniel (Mike); three sisters, Elaine Minor, Joyce Ann Cobb (Yancey) of Efland, NC, and Trudy Tinnin of Atlanta, GA; one brother, Daniel McAdoo of Durham, NC; one aunt, Maggie Loftin of Durham, NC; three grandsons, Zaden, Bodhi, and Declan; and one granddaughter, Sloane; He is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, extended family and dear friends.
The funeral will be 1:00pm Thursday at Mt Moriah Baptist Church.
Visitation will be 12:00pm to 1:00pm in the church. Burial will be in Gaines Memorial Garden.
Public viewing will be Wednesday 10:00am to 5:00pm at Chavis-Parker Funeral Home.
