Douglas Todd Finke

Douglas Todd Finke won’t be coming down for breakfast. His time with us ended Sunday, March 17, 2024.

Doug was born To Dr. Rick and Janet (Mitchell) Finke on July 11, 1972, in Fredericksburg, Virginia. His father’s practice brought the family to Nashville, where they built their home and established many special friendships that still surround them today.

A brilliant and beautiful child, Doug’s perception and creativity flourished early on. A family trip to the Holy Land in his youth was transformative – vivid memories of his time there influenced his love for travel, his art, and his thirst for knowledge.

His time at Franklin Road Academy laid the basis for lifelong relationships and pursuits. He excelled at every sport, designed a new school logo, and continued to set the bar higher and higher for himself (except when pole vaulting). It was at FRA he laid the foundation for the lifelong group of close friends who always supported one another. He found a wonderful friend and mentor in Coach David Tucker. “Coacher” nourished Doug’s love for art and remained his teacher and life coach for all of Doug’s life.

Doug’s passion for art took him all the way to Arizona State University, initially studying architecture. Little time passed before his studies were changed to reflect his truest love and talents. He did, however, falter at underwater basket weaving, which was, “disappointingly nothing like I had expected.”

Doug was deeply affected by and found great joy in music. He would attend a show every day if he could. A New York Times crossword didn’t stand a chance with him, and he left a trail of them in his wake. He spent all the time he could reading and taking in both useless and profound knowledge. He excelled as an artist, and also found great peace in the completion of a well-done lime-washed kitchen wall. One of his many legacies is a series of portraits honoring FRA headmasters, and it was a joy to watch the emotion in the room as they were unveiled.

Doug’s most hard-earned and special accomplishment was his sobriety. It was the greatest gift he ever gave to himself and his loved ones, and it gave him strength – which he shared with anyone who needed it, at any time. A special thank you to all of those who helped him on that journey, and to those who let him help them.

Doug leaves behind his mother, Janet, his aunt and uncle Deb (Mitchell) and Robert Farrell, cousins Julie and Steven, their spouses and children. Many other beloved family members loved him and mourn him. And the friends – more than we can count. He loved people and they loved him. It is his most lasting legacy.

Doug was preceded in death by his father, Dr. Rick Finke, and his brother Rick Finke. He was also preceded by many of the animals he has loved along the way. He loved all kinds.

Doug’s family asks that any donations be made to the rhino adoption program at the Nashville Zoo (nashvillezoo.org) or to the Franklin Road Academy (franklinroadacademy.com) art program. And in his honor, please have a cup of coffee and do a crossword puzzle or two. Make friends and love them with all your heart, be kind, and continue his legacy of loving people.

Visitation with the Finke family will be on Wednesday, March 27, 2024, from 1PM until 2PM, at Brentwood United Methodist Church. A memorial service to celebrate Doug’s life will follow at 2PM.

Arrangements in the care of Compassion Funeral & Cremation Services, Nashville, TN (615) 857-9955. We proudly remain locally owned & operated.