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Tubby was born in Belle, WV on December 10, 1936 to Ovid and Hazel Fink. His avid hobby was building engines and racing Corvettes and 1957 Chevrolets. After graduation from high school, he entered Georgia Tech where he majored in mechanical engineering. He left Tech and married Patricia Mitchell. They had two children, Bryan and Julie.
After leaving Tech, he became a draftsman and later a trim carpenter. He always loved working with his hands and tinkering with cars. He could fix just about anything. He also loved to hunt and fish. He owned a place on High Falls Lake where he and Karyn, his longtime partner of 44 years, spent many hours just watching the water, listening to music and visiting friends who also had houses on the lake.
At parties, Tubby was a sought after dance partner. He loved the Bee Gees and disco music. At his 50th birthday party, the ladies had dance cards to dance with him to a favorite song. He spent the night dancing away and had the time of his life.
His children fondly remember trips to the Bahamas and Vail, Colorado. They spent many hours on Lake Norman in North Carolina and Lake Lanier in Georgia where he taught them to water ski.
During the winter months, he would take them to ski resorts in North Carolina. He always said he envied Bryan’s skiing skills and wished he could have been as good. Julie recalls asking if he could put a steering wheel on her bicycle and of course he could and did! He was a wonderful dad.
Tubby was also a dog lover. He had 4 dogs that he adored— Tonka, Chrissy(a Yorkie mix), Katie (a Cairn terrier) and Trixie (a terrier mix) that was rescued from the Humane Society. He loved to play “London bridge” with Katie and every morning he and Trixie played “Trixie Tricks” at breakfast for her treats.
Summer, Ginger and Major remember “dragging” Paw Paw to the park where they played on the swing set. They enjoyed coming to Georgia to visit PawPaw. Paw Paw also visited Charlotte where they all explored the NASCAR Hall of Fame. He loved that trip.
He will be greatly missed by Karyn, his children, 6 grandchildren and loyal friends.
The Fink family is being assisted by Georgia Cremation, 1086 Hwy 54 West, Fayetteville. Messages of condolence may be left at www.GeorgiaCremation.com.
Adrien says
So sorry for your loss. Praying for comfort and peace.
1st Thess. 4:13-18
Adrien Neely
Chaplain
Brightmoor Hospice
Mike Crawford says
Karyn, Bryan and Julie. I am sorry for your loss. Tubby has been in my prayers. And, each of you are now in my prayers. I pray that you will find peace and comfort in the fact that his pain and suffering are over. I pray that you will also, find comfort in the many wonderful memories you have of him. And, I pray that you will find joy in all the blessings that remain in your lives.
Major Dawson says
I love you pawpaw I will miss you so much
Love,
Major Dawson
Elvera Owens says
Delford “Tubby” Fink was one of my oldest friends who will live in my memory forever.
“To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die.” Thomas Campbell
It is not always the big moments I remember but the thousands of little memories that crop up at odd times. Tubby was a constant in my life whether I saw him often or after long separations. He and Karyn offered a port in the storm when I most needed them. I always appreciated him and counted myself fortunate to have such a friend. I cherish my memories happy or sad. You will be missed, my friend!
When I remember Tubby, I remember ….
His kindness.
His love of his children and Karyn.
His faithfulness in driving to North Carolina to visit Bryan and Julie every weekend.
His inclusion of my children when they were around.
He was always “fixing things”.
Tubby hung pictures with such precision!
His visits which may involve sailboat voyages on the east coast or coastal fishing in South Walton, FL.
Him dancing with my daughter to some great music for hours.
Loving Karyn’s dogs even when he did not expect he would.
Tubby’s care of his mom.
His joy of the lake house – boiled peanuts, cookouts, and friends.
His enjoyment of deer hunting at the hunting camp and with Hardrock.
Breakfast with his buddies.
He had more than his fair share of health issues and pain in his later years.
How much it meant when he called to let me know his time was short.
“The song is ended but the melody lingers on.” Irving Berlin
Melody Black says
I am so blessed to have met Tubby through Karyn. He and I had a blast talking about racing and politics. He was special. Karyn, so sorry for your loss. May prayers surround you and keep you.
Julie Fink Dawson says
Dad,
I could never imagine how much I miss you……
Your sweet and strong hugs
Riding down the interstate in that orange and white van, falling asleep in that makeshift bed with all the windows down batting in the breeze. I love riding with my windows down, it reminds me of you.
Sitting on the front porch watching lightening and thunder storms
The feel of a box fan blowing on my face.
Learning to water ski on your big wooden skis.
Sitting on your foot, holding onto your leg and you would walk around…I was like a little boot.
We would dance with me standing on your feet.
My heart hurts
I am looking forward to seeing you in heaven with no more pain
I love you dad
Bryson Fink says
Paw paw was always so loving and caring to me. I enjoyed going to his house in Atlanta growing up with my sister and father and visiting him. I will never forget the big deer he had mounted in the living room! I love you Paw Paw and miss you dearly.
Alicia Fink says
Bryan, Julie, Bryson, Landi and the Family-
I send you my love and prayers. I know that the loss of your father / Paw Paw is hard. Please know that the memories he leaves with others could fill the whole world! I remember him always- and I mean always- having a smile! That smile always got bigger and brighter when his grand-babies were near! His hugs were strong and will stay with you because his love will always be felt for you all.
Thinking of you!
Marie Higginbotham Lynn says
I just found out about Tubby’s passing. I am truly sorry and send prayers to all of you. In our younger years Tubby was the love of my life. I moved from Belle and over the years we lost track of each other. Life goes on and we both married and lived in different locations. I always enjoyed his appreciation of music. I met him with his head under the hood of a Studebaker, with David Harless his long time friend. Rest in peace Tubby.
Roxanne Egan & Stuart Egan says
Julie, Bryan, and Family,
Just learned that your Dad passed away. He was a wonderful man and an amazing Father. Have memories of Del, Julie, Bryan, Stuart, and myself swimming in Lake Sinclair. Karyn, Thank you for being such a good partner to him for all these years.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sincerely,
Roxanne Egan and Stuart Egan