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PFC Woodrow Wilson Finley
Woodrow Wilson Finley was born Jan. 23, 1916 in McNairy County in southwest Tennessee, the youngest of six children. His mother, Ada Owens Finley, was a homemaker and his father, James Finley, a farmer.
By the time of the spring 1940 Census young Mr. Wilson was the only sibling still at home with his parents, ages 69 and 65. He had completed 8th grade but was no longer enrolled. He worked painting autos in 1939, earning $385.
Mr. Finley enlisted in the Marines on Oct. 10, 1940. He was a private first class on the U.S.S. Arizona when he was killed in the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Dec. 7, 1941.
There is a cenotaph in his memory at Oak Hill Cemetery in Selmer, Tennessee.
Sources: the Union City (Tennessee) Messenger; Census; Marine muster roll; application for military headstone or marker. Marine photo. This profile was researched and written on behalf of the U.S.S. Arizona Mall Memorial at the University of Arizona.
NOTE: If you are a family member related to this crew member of the U.S.S. Arizona, or have additional information, pictures or documents to share about his life or service to our county please contact us through our FAMILY MEMBER SUBMISSION FORM.