Dr. Lee Kilpatrick Finklea died on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, at his home in Latta, South Carolina. He was surrounded by family and lifted by community prayer into God’s eternal love.
Lee was born March 24, 1948, at Duke Hospital to Margaret Kilpatrick Finklea and Alfred Marion Finklea, Jr.
Lee grew up in Latta, learning the discipline and joy of hard work. He was educated in the Latta Schools. He enjoyed piano, basketball, football, reading and academics, work in the family and other local businesses, hunting, farming, and caring for people and animals.
He graduated from Latta High School in 1966 and Furman University in 1970. Feeling called by God, he entered the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. After a year of dedicated study, he still felt called to minister, but understood his ministry would not be pastoral.
Working as a house-parent for mentally ill children at Marshall I. Pickens Hospital in Greenville, SC brought clarity for Lee. He enrolled in Clemson University for advanced science training and was accepted to the Medical University of South Carolina. Becoming a Medical Doctor in 1979, he was inducted into Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society. In 1982, Lee completed his pediatric residency at The Bowman Gray School of Medicine of Wake Forest University at North Carolina Baptist Hospital. He subsequently became Board Certified and was elected a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Lee practiced in Bennettsville, SC, and Murphy, NC, before returning to North Carolina Baptist and the Winston-Salem area where he practiced office and hospital pediatrics for many years. After laying down office practice, he returned to Latta and continued as a traveling Pediatric Hospitalist. He served in numerous hospitals in central and eastern North Carolina.
Over the years, he delivered nearly all of the children who needed expert help back into the arms of their parents. He knew the name of every child he had to deliver into God’s arms. He continued hospital practice, working 24-hour, 7 day stretches, into his 70’s.
Lee grew up grounded in the Baptist Church, accepting Christ into his heart at an early age. In adulthood, he became a member of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) and was a member of the Winston-Salem Friends meeting. In later years, he faithfully attended Latta Baptist Church and the Fayetteville, NC Friends Meeting. When asked about his denomination his reply was, “I am a Baptist and a Quaker.”
To know Lee was to love Lee. He loved to visit, to fellowship, and to sing. He often shared these gifts with friends and family. He had a practiced kindness and cultivated a generous spirit. He had a costume for every occasion and could engage anyone, at any time, in play. He was never without a bag of toys. No child left his presence empty handed, including grown-up children.
Lee’s parents and community upbringing instilled in him that to whom much is given, much is expected. He realized he was privileged to pursue his life’s purpose and dreams. It was his obligation, honor, and joy to give back.
He was a constant and consistent volunteer and wore many hats. He spent countless hours working with community agencies and free medical clinics. He remembered fondly working with Habitat for Humanity as part of the “Nearer My God to Thee” roofing crew. He was as ready with a hammer as with a stethoscope or a checkbook. Among his other hats, he was a dispenser of Red Bird mints, or even Smarties. His mustard sauce and pickled peppers were legendary as were his medicinal beverages.
Lee loved to engage in debate about politics, historical events, and other topics. He kept up-to-date and informed across a wide spectrum. He was able to consider all sides of a situation as a good physician must, and he was able to accept new information and change his mind. He would want to be remembered for changing his mind related to reforming society to enable every person to have unconditional access to education, opportunity, and especially to health care. He came to understand that many people work hard yet are burdened by systemic barriers. He understood the societal role of “helpers,” especially in the context of children who are deprived of loving parenting. He never wished anyone “less.” Instead, he wished everyone to have the access and privileges he never took for granted.
“Dr Lee” loved people. He cared about people and he touched thousands of lives as a doctor and a good person. He never met a stranger, and he was willing to help any person at any time. He supported many individuals, worthy organizations, and causes.
Lee loved children and continued to serve and advocate for children in retirement. He volunteered as a reading tutor at Latta Elementary School for as long as he was able to walk down the halls. He mentored local teachers and social workers and kept their confidences and confessions safe. Lee was a Santa’s helper and strived to assure a Merry Christmas for every child. He was honored by the Dillon County Chamber of Commerce as the 2023 Spirit of Christmas. When he went to local parks, children recognized him and flocked to him.
Lee is survived by his wife, Melidy Lee Poole Finklea, of the home; sons, Dr. Lee Kilpatrick “Pat” Finklea, Jr. (Lindsey) of San Antonio, TX and Dr. Bryson West Finklea Greenwood of Athens, GA; stepchildren, Rachel Belford (Pete) of Orlando, FL, James Lyons (Amber) of Louisville, KY, Robert Jones (Megan) of Union, SC; and Cynthia Rizo of Louisville, KY; grandchildren Lillian Finklea, Stone Finklea, and Miriam Greenwood; step-grandchildren Damien Brumley of Latta, and Anastasia Brumley (Alec) of Orlando, FL; brothers Ryan Finklea (Judy) of Latta, and A. Marion Finklea (Judy) of Gulfport, FL; special cousins Buzzy Finklea (Nancy), Billy Finklea, A. Lafon LeGette, Jr. (Cynthia), and Alton Finklea (Debra), all of Latta, and Anne Carlson of Columbia, SC; numerous step-grands, great-grands, nephews, nieces, cousins, colleagues, and friends. His loving personality and generous giving spirit will be missed.
Lee’s Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, December 28, at 2 p.m., at Latta Baptist Church Fellowship Hall, 202 North Marion Street, Latta, S.C. There is a playground for children.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that gifts be given to The Dillon County News Toy Drive, 108 North 5th Avenue, Dillon, S.C. 29536, or to the Latta Rescue Squad, “Attention Operation Santa Claus,” P.O. Box 674, Latta, S.C. 29565.
Kannaday Funeral Home is assisting the family.
