James DeRay Fincher, age 76, of Clarkesville, passed away on Tuesday, November 25, 2025.
Born on March 7, 1949, in Pine Mountain, Georgia, he was the son of the late James Fincher and Mary Agnes Whitaker Griffin. DeRay began his career as a sheriff’s deputy in Harris County and went on to work in law enforcement for many years, where he touched countless lives both there and, in his community, beyond. He attended the 153rd Session of the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia. After retiring from the Athens Post of the Georgia State Patrol, with the rank of Captain, he went on to serve as Sheriff of Habersham County from 2005 – 2008. In his spare time, DeRay could be found golfing, working with his show dogs, or landscaping his yard and neighborhood. He was of the Baptist faith.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his father-in-law and mother-in-law, J.O. Anderson, Jr. and Lucille Wood Anderson.
Survivors include his wife of 26 years, Jill Anderson Fincher; son and daughter-in-law, Michael Fincher (Kimberly); grandchild, MacKenzie Fincher; brother-in-law, Ron Anderson (Faye); sister-in-law, Sandy Wheeler (Skip); many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Memorial services are 2 pm on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, in the Chapel of McGahee-Griffin & McEntire with Rev. Kenneth McEntire officiating.
The family will receive friends from 12 noon until the service hour on Wednesday, at the funeral home.
Flowers are accepted or memorial donations may be made to Georgia Sheriffs’ Youth Homes, 1000 Sheriffs Way, Madison, Georgia 30650; phone: 770/914-1076; www.georgiasheriffsyouth.org
An online guest register is available and may be viewed at www.mcgaheegriffinandmcentire.com
McGahee-Griffin & McEntire Funeral Home of Cornelia, Georgia (706/778-8668) is in charge of arrangements.
