Handley H. Fincher

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

Born on Feb. 17, 1935, in Randolph County, Ala., Handley was the son of the late Dewey and Lauzie Fincher. He carried with him throughout his life a deep sense of curiosity, discipline, and appreciation for the outdoors that began in his early years.

After high school, Handley proudly served in the United States Air Force for four years in the Office of Special Investigation. He later graduated cum laude from Auburn University in 1961, where he was recognized by the honorary societies Alpha Zeta and Zi Sigma Pi.

Handley made his home in Morganton, where he spent 36 years with Drexel Heritage Furnishings, ultimately retiring as Director of Engineering Research. He took great pride in his work and was respected for his dedication, leadership, and problem-solving. Among his many professional accomplishments, he was especially proud of helping guide the company through one of its most significant legal challenges.

Beyond his career, Handley lived an active and engaged life. He had a lifelong love of trout fly fishing, traveling from Alaska to Patagonia in pursuit of quiet waters and time in nature. He also enjoyed backpacking, woodworking, and later in life, many hours on the golf course. He gave back to his community through teaching Sunday school, serving as president of the PTO, and as a two-term president of the Morganton Lions Club.

More than anything, Handley will be remembered as a devoted father, grandfather, and friend. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Betty Glenda Fincher; and his daughter, Ginger Rogers.

He is survived by his daughter, Leslie Kuebler (Ken); his grandchildren, Timothy Kuebler, Christopher Kuebler, Rembert Rogers (Brandi), Stephen Rogers (Nikki), and Rosie Wilson (Mike); his great-grandchildren, Serenity Rogers, Anastasia Rogers, and Israel Rogers; his sister, Geraldine Thompson (Billy); and his loving companion of many years, Jean Powell.

Handley’s family will remember him for his steady presence, his love of the outdoors, and the life he built through hard work, generosity, and commitment to those he cared about.

A memorial service will be held at 1 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, https://e-clubhouse.org/sites/morganton/index.php

Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.sossomanfh.com.