Handley H. Fincher

Handley H. Fincher, 91 of Morganton, NC passed away Saturday, April 25, 2026 following a period of declining health.

Born February 17, 1935, in Randolph County, Alabama, he was the son of the late Dewey and Lauzie Fincher. After high school, he served in the Air Force for 4 years in the Office of Special Investigation. Handley was a cum laude graduate of Auburn University, class of 1961, inducted by the National Honorary Societies Alpha Zeta and Zi Sigma Pi. Handley moved to Morganton and worked at Drexel Heritage Furnishing for 36 years, retiring as Director of Engineering Research. A high bar of achievement at Drexel, he was credited for successfully defending the company in Puerto Rico in the largest lawsuit, ever, in the US. He received the Man of the Year Award from the Polyurethane Foam Association and is listed in Marquis Who’s Who in the South and Southwest.

A few notables in the active life of Handley’s were his early attraction to trout fly fishing from Alaska to Patagonia, backpacking and mountain trail work. Handley taught Sunday School for 10 years, was president of PTO and was a two-term president of the Morganton Lions Club. Woodworking, always a high attraction, seemed to be trumped by golf after retiring from Drexel Heritage.

In addition to his parents, Handley was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Glenda Fincher; daughter, Ginger Rogers; siblings, Erma, Lorene, Clarence, Clyde, Jimmy, and Johnny all Georgia residents.

Those surviving are his daughter, Leslie Kuebler (Ken); sister, Geraldine Thompson (Billy); grandchildren, Timothy Kuebler, Christopher Kuebler, Rembert Rogers (Brandi), Stephen Rogers (Nikki); adopted daughter, Rosie Wilson (Mike); great grandchildren, Serenity Rogers, Anastasia Rogers, Israel Rogers; very special friend, Jean Powell.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Friday, May 29, 2026 in the Chapel at Grace Ridge. A reception will follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Morganton Lions Club.

Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.