History & Staff

First in Service for Five Generations.We have years of experience caring for families, from all walks of life. Each family comes to us because they know we are leaders in our profession, dedicated to excellence in service, and have the highest integrity.

Our History

Our History

In 1905, John T. Finch founded what was to become the oldest business in the area. In Grit, Virginia, he hung out his shingle: “John T. Finch, Funeral Director.”

A few years later, he relocated the company to Altavista, and in 1931 his son-in-law, Hubert J. Finch, became an equal partner. Hubert and his wife, Virginia established the present-day funeral home in 1951, brought their son, Robert L. “Bob” Finch into the business in 1954 and continued to remodel and expand the facility to better serve the families of the area. Robert L. “Rob” Finch, Jr. then joined as the fourth generation in 1989. After he joined the firm, the Finch family purchased the W.N. Flynn Funeral Home in Gladys, Virginia then remodeled and expanded it to provide more convenience for visiting families.

Robert L. Finch, III "Trey", joined the family business full time in 2010 and is now President of the funeral home and represents the fifth generation of the family to serve the community.

Today, the Finch & Finch Funeral and Cremation Service maintains the family tradition of offering exceptional value, attention to even the smallest detail, and caring, compassionate service to families in their time of need.

Our Valued Staff

  • Robert L. Finch III

    Robert L. Finch III President/Owner/CFSP/CCO - [email protected]

    Trey represents the fifth generation of the Finch family to enter funeral service. Trey currently is the President and Treasurer of the firm. He attended the University of Charleston and received a B.S. Degree in Business Administration with an emphasis on Marketing and Management from Ferrum College in 2010. While attending college, Trey was a member of the baseball teams at both the University of Charleston and Ferrum College. Trey received his Associate Degree in Funeral Service from John Tyler Community College in 2012 and was licensed as a Funeral Service Licensee in April of 2013. He is a member the Southside District Funeral Directors Association, Virginia Funeral Directors Association, National Funeral Directors Association and is a Past Chairman of the Altavista Area Chamber of Commerce in 2018. Trey was awarded the Community Builders Award by Masonic Campbell Lodge No. 316 in 2018 also. Trey has received Certified Crematory Operator certification and received national recognition as he earned the prestigious Lifetime Certified Funeral Service Practitioner award in 2016, the highest professional designation you can achieve in funeral service, by the Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practice. There are less than twenty-five funeral directors in Virginia that have completed and received this certification.He is a member of New Prospect Baptist Church. Trey and his wife, Brooke reside in Altavista with their daughters, Austen, Avery and Audrey and canine companions Laney and Oliver.

  • Jessie Hawkins

    Jessie Hawkins Vice President/Office Manager/Corporate Secretary - [email protected]

    Jessie joined the Finch & Finch staff in September of 2017 as the Office Manager, responsible for all business duties as well as support for our funeral service licensees and handles our After Care programming. She graduated from Altavista High School in 2014. Jessie was previously employed at Mid Atlantic Printers Ltd. for five years in the Accounting Department. She is currently enrolled at Brightpoint Community College for Funeral Service. She enjoys traveling and spending time with her family and friends. Jessie and her husband, Jacob and their son, River reside in Gretna.

  • Renae Adkins

    Renae Adkins Funeral Service Intern

    Renae joined the staff of Finch & Finch in March of 2021 and accepted a full-time position in June of 2022. She was raised in Altavista and graduated from Altavista High School in 2016 where she was an active member of several music and athletic programs. Renae is currently studying mortuary science at Brightpoint Community College to become a Funeral Service Licensee. She has previously worked as a Surgical Coordinator at Harman Eye Center in Forest and an Administrative Aide at Campbell County Technical Center. Renae and her husband, Brian currently live in Gretna with their son, Arthur, their two dogs, Bailey and Abby, and their cat, Molly. Before joining Finch & Finch, Renae spent a lot of her time volunteering with her mother at Altavista Elementary School and pursuing mission work with local churches and organizations. She finds joy in serving people and is always eager to get to know everyone she meets.Renae spends most of her free time with her family and friends. She enjoys music, outdoors, mystery movies, DIY projects, and antique shopping with her mom. Renae looks forward to learning with the wonderful staff at Finch & Finch and the community we serve.

  • Jessi Simpson

    Jessi Simpson Funeral Service Intern

    Jessi joined the staff of Finch & Finch January 2020. She is a graduate of Altavista High School. Jessi has one daughter; Claire and they reside in Altavista with their feline companion, Blondie. She is a member of Solid Rock Baptist Church. Jessi enjoys spending time with her family.

  • Oliver Pax Finch

    Oliver Pax Finch Grief Therapy Dog In-Training

    Oliver came to us from Buttercup Doodles Va, a home-based kennel-free breeder in Altavista. As he excitedly awaits the beginning of his formal training to become officially certified, he is already stealing the hearts of everyone he encounters.His puppy energy has already brought so much joy to the funeral home and those who have been privileged to meet him. Oliver’s hours are sporadic, but when he is in the office, he can be found sniffing and exploring places he is not supposed to be. He lives with Trey and his family in Altavista.

  • Maggie Mae Finch

    Maggie Mae Finch Grief Therapy Dog

    Magnolia Mae “Maggie” Finch was born in Ringgold, Virginia on November 21, 2017. Maggie, as we affectionately call her, is a Sheepadoodle, which is a cross between an Old English Sheepdog and a Standard Poodle. She is hypo-allergenic and non-shedding, which is very helpful in the world of animal therapy. She was chosen out of a litter of eleven puppies to be the comfort dog for Finch & Finch Funeral & Cremation Service. Maggie began her basic obedience training at a local facility when she was just four months old and recently completed her Alliance of Therapy Dogs Certification.Maggie retired in March of 2023 alongside Rob, with whom she resides. Although she may seldom come to the funeral home to visit, her reputation still lives large in the hearts of those in our communities.

  • Jerry Barnard

    Jerry Barnard Funeral Service Associate

    Jerry joined the staff of Finch & Finch in July of 2019. He was a long time employee of The Lane Company and he retired from Teva Pharmaceuticals. Jerry and his wife Penny have one son, Jake and they reside in Hurt with their Beagle Antonio. Since retirement Jerry enjoys golfing, yard work, attending baseball games and socializing with friends.

  • Jessica Bujtas

    Jessica Bujtas Funeral Service Associate

    Jessica joined the staff of Finch & Finch in July of 2019. She is a seven year veteran of the U.S. Army. She is presently employed by Centra. In her spare time Jessica enjoys the outdoors and spending time with her family. Jessica is a member of First Baptist Church of Altavista. She resides in Lynch Station with her son Michael.

  • Terry Brooks

    Terry Brooks Funeral Service Associate

    Terry joined Finch & Finch in January of 2015. She was previously employed as a CMA & RT at Staunton River Family Physicians and is the current owner of Body & Sole Spa located in Lynch Station. Terry is a member of Lynch Station Baptist Church where she serves as the pianist and on the Youth Board. During her spare time, she enjoys traveling, gardening, kayaking, riding ATV’s, and spending time with her family and friends. Terry is a lifelong resident of the area.

  • Doris Cousin

    Doris Cousin Funeral Service Associate

    Dee joined the staff of Finch & Finch in July of 2018, she currently works at the Altavista YMCA as a front desk coordinator. She is a member of Tree of Life Ministries, Lynchburg. In her free time she enjoys taking legal classes and enjoying the great outdoors. Dee is a retired military vet of 26 years. She resides in Lynch Station, Dee has one daughter and two grandchildren.

  • Allen Cox

    Allen Cox Funeral Service Associate

    Allen joined the staff of Finch & Finch in March of 2021. He is a native of Altavista and most recently moved back to Virginia from Murfreesboro, TN where he had an extensive sales career. Allen and his wife, Jennifer reside in Altavista. He has two children and two grandchildren. Allen enjoys spending time with his family, golfing and traveling.

  • Brian Davis

    Brian Davis Funeral Service Associate

    Brian joined the staff of Finch & Finch in November of 2020. He is a retired Deputy Sheriff and served in law-enforcement for 26 years. Brian is a veteran of the United States Army. He resides in Altavista with his wife, Yong. Their son, James. works for the United States Congress. Brian has a master's degree in history from Liberty University. He attends Blue Ridge Community Church. Brian is active with the American Legion Altavista Memorial Post 36. He is an avid genealogist and local area historian. He is an academic contractor for Liberty University in the area of history and curriculum development.

  • Terri Dews

    Terri Dews Funeral Service Associate

    Terri joined the staff of Finch & Finch in May of 2018. She is an Altavista native who has held several positions at Abbott Nutrition, owned two businesses in Altavista: River's Bend Farm boarding horses and Airabella Flowers & Gifts. She currently works at Sweet Peas on Main in Gretna, part-time at Finch & Finch Funeral & Cremation Service and recently joined as a board member of Avoca Museum & Historical Society. Terri is married to Phil Dews and has two children, Trae & Elliott. She loves spending time with her family, animals, meeting & helping people and traveling.

  • Dianne Fifer

    Dianne Fifer Funeral Service Associate

    Dianne joined the staff of Finch & Finch in February of 2013. She is the owner of Dianne’s Hair Creations and is a member of the Altavista Area YMCA, and the fill-in pianist for numerous churches in the area. Dianne is a member of Bethel Pentecostal Holiness Church. She is married to Danny Fifer, owner of Danny's Rollback. Dianne has two children, Lauren and Jake; and four grandchildren, Karsyn, Corbin, Eloise and Lawson.

  • Judy Finch

    Judy Finch Funeral Service Associate

    Judy is the wife of Rob Finch and the mother of Trey. Originally from Pennsylvania and Georgia, she has been a part of the Altavista community since 1984, when she and Rob married. A 1983 graduate of Lynchburg College, with a B. S. degree in Medical Technology, she comes to the funeral home on a part time basis to assist with organizing of special events. Her employment background includes work in medical settings as a lab tech, working with Altavista On Track (a Virginia Main Street Community program) in many different capacities, health coaching and teaching yoga. Judy enjoys spending time with her family, Trey, his wife Brooke and granddaughters, Austen and Avery, and son Jackson, who lives in North Carolina. She is a member of Lane Memorial United Methodist Church.

  • Robert L. Finch Jr.

    Robert L. Finch Jr. Chairman Emeritus

    Representing the fourth generation of the Finch family, Rob retired in March of 2023. He attended Lynchburg College, graduated with a B.S. Degree in 1980 from Elon University, received an Associate Degree from Gupton-Jones College of Funeral Service in Atlanta, Georgia in 1992, and was licensed as a Funeral Service Licensee in that same year. Rob earned his Certified Funeral Service Practitioner in 2004 from the Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practice and has completed the annual requirements for this nationally recognized award each year since. There are less than forty funeral directors in Virginia that have completed and received this certification.Rob is a member of the National Funeral Directors Association, Virginia Funeral Directors Association (VFDA), where he has served many years on the Board of Directors and as President of VFDA in 2014-15. Rob was named VFDA Outstanding Member of the Year in 2008 and is a two time recipient of the Funeral Director of the Year awarded by the VFDA in 2003 and 2009.Rob is dedicated to community activities and is an active board member of the First National Bank of Altavista and the Citizens for Altavista Baseball. He is a former member and Past President of the Lions Club of Altavista, a past board member of the Greater Lynchburg Community Trust, Altavista Vocational Advisory Council, Altavista Area YMCA, and the Altavista Chamber of Commerce. In his spare time, he enjoys golf, time with his family at the lake, and is a passionate baseball fan.Rob and his wife, Judy have two sons, Jackson of Edenton, North Carolina and Trey and his wife, Brooke of Altavista; and three granddaughters, Austen Rylie, Avery Camryn and Audrey Anne Finch. They are members of Lane Memorial United Methodist Church in Altavista.

  • Terry Finch

    Terry Finch Funeral Service Associate

    Terry joined the Finch & Finch staff in June of 2015 after retiring from the Campbell County School System where he taught history for many years at Altavista High School. During his tenure at Altavista High School he was involved with the Hi-Y Club, various school activities, and athletics. He and his wife Bonnie reside in Lynch Station and are members of First Baptist Church in Altavista. They have two daughters, Jessica and Annalee and one grandson, Michael.

  • Sammy Hensley

    Sammy Hensley Funeral Service Associate

    Sammy joined the staff of Finch & Finch in April of 2017. He retired after thirty-five years as a Process Engineer with Areva in Lynchburg and is a member of The Church of God, Leesville Road where he teaches Sunday School. In his spare time, Sammy enjoys spending time with his family and friends, hunting, fishing, old cars, and singing and playing Bluegrass and Gospel music. He and his wife, Vera have two children and five grandchildren.

  • Ed Kizer

    Ed Kizer Funeral Service Associate

    Ed joined the staff of Finch & Finch in November of 2021. He is a retired postal letter carrier and United States Air Force Veteran. He and his wife, Patsy reside in Hurt, they have three children, four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. In his spare time, he enjoys traveling the world and camping. He is a member of First Pentecostal Holiness Church in Altavista.

  • Robbie Lindsey

    Robbie Lindsey Funeral Service Associate

    Robbie Lindsey joined the staff of Finch & Finch in April of 2022. He is a member of Bethel Pentecostal Holiness Church and he and his wife, Cindy reside in Gladys.

  • Matt Lucado

    Matt Lucado Funeral Service Associate

    Matt has been associated with Finch & Finch since 2008 and is the owner of M&M cleaners three locations, Forest Road, 12th Street, Lynchburg and Main Street, Altavista. He enjoys working on Mustangs and drag racing. Matt resides in Hurt with his wife Sharon.

  • Mike Lucado

    Mike Lucado Funeral Service Licensee

    Mike received his degree from Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science in Cincinnati, Ohio, was licensed in Virginia in 1971, and in North Carolina in 1994. Mike knows this community well, and is committed to the many families whose lives are centered here.Mike was born and raised in Appomattox and resides in Altavista with his wife, Susie. They have six children, ten grandchildren, and are members of Hyland Heights Baptist Church. In his spare time, he volunteers at the Hyland Heights food pantry and also works for Rhino Sports Security.

  • Zachary McGill

    Zachary McGill Funeral Service Associate

    Zachary joined the staff of Finch & Finch in May of 2018; he is a graduate of Longwood University with a Bachelor’s in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance. He currently works for First National Bank as a Retail Business Development Specialist. Zachary loves giving back to his community and in his spare time enjoys being with family and friends.

  • William Myers

    William Myers Funeral Service Associate

    Billy has been associated with Finch & Finch since 2009 and was an employee of Burlington Industries, Klopman Division for 40 years. He is a longtime member of Monte Vista Baptist Church and Gideons International. He enjoys gardening, farming, hunting, fishing, and most of all serving his church and the Gideons. He and his wife Peggy reside in Hurt and have been married for 56 years. They have two sons, Keith and Michael Myers; a daughter, Wendy M. Payne; and four grandchildren, Sydney, Raegan, Avery, and Caroline.

  • Phillip Rosser

    Phillip Rosser Funeral Service Associate

    Bio coming soon!

  • Jerry Rowland

    Jerry Rowland Funeral Service Associate

    Jerry served our community as a member of the Altavista Police Department for 28 years. He is a member of the Altavista Church of Christ and has three children, seven grandchildren, and three great grandchildren. Jerry resides in Altavista.

  • Dorinda Scruggs

    Dorinda Scruggs Funeral Service Associate

    Dorinda joined the staff of Finch & Finch in April of 2017. She was formerly an Activity Director with Autumn Care Nursing and Rehabilitation and is a member of First Pentecostal Holiness Church, Altavista. She and her husband, Howard reside in Hurt and have two children and two grandchildren.

  • Bonnie Walker

    Bonnie Walker Funeral Service Associate

    Bonnie has served with Finch & Finch since 1997. She is an employee of Campbell County Schools and a member of Wesleybury United Methodist Church. Bonnie and her son, Jeb reside in Gladys.

  • Christopher Wingfield

    Christopher Wingfield Funeral Service Associate

    Chris joined the staff of Finch & Finch in January of 2022. He was born and raised in Richmond, but is a transplant to Altavista; where he and his family moved back in 2013. He is the owner of Airabella Flowers And Gifts, works part-time at Finch & Finch Funeral & Cremation Service and recently joined as a board member for the Altavista Chamber of Commerce. He has a passion for meeting, connecting, and helping others. Chris has two French bulldogs named Blake and Krystal. On his time off he enjoys spending time with his friends and family, reading good books, and golfing.