Finley Brandt McCaughan

Finley Brandt McCaughan, age 88, of Biloxi, MS passed away Wednesday, May 4, 2016. Private family graveside services are pending. Interment at Floral Hills Memorial Cemetery in Gulfport, MS will be officiated by Rev. Hart Clawson. Born on March 16, 1928 in Gulfport, MS, he was a member of First Baptist Church in Biloxi, a Mason, and a member of the Elks Lodge. Finley was the great grandson of John McCaughan and the grandson of Harper McCaughan, both residents of Long beach, MS. He served in the First Army of the United States of America and completed a tour of duty in Korea. A proud World War II veteran, Finley received an honorable discharge in 1949. He retired after serving the Department of the Air Force for 33 years in Civil Service at Keesler Air Force Base. During his years at Keesler, Finley received many awards for Outstanding Performance and in the areas of Military and Civilian Personnel Management. He loved the Gulf Coast and was an avid fisherman. He was devoted to his family and was a very kind and gentle person. Finley was preceded in death by his parents, Finley B.H. and Marguerite Brandt McCaughan; and three sisters, Bettye Jane McCaughan Edgington, Margy McCaughan Lally, and Mary McCaughan James. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Della Marie Sims McCaughan; two daughters, Leona McCaughan Clawson of Jefferson, TX and her husband, Rev. Hart Clawson and Diana McCaughan Rodwig of Covington, LA and her husband, Dr. Francis R. Rodwig, Jr; four granddaughters, Aimee and Isabella Rodwig of Covington and Finley and Trinity Clawson of Jefferson; two grandsons, Will Clawson of Dallas, Texas and Brandt Clawson of Madison, WI; Mike Walker of New Orleans, LA; one sister, Jennie Lee McCaughan Lacy of Long Beach, MS; and many nieces and nephews. The family wishes to extend special thanks to George and Irma Gazzier for the love and care they exhibited. Memorials may be made to the Biloxi First Scholarship Fund through Biloxi Public Schools. The Howard Avenue Chapel of Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral home is in charge of arrangements.