Ten years and a few months ago I traveled to LaGrange with a friend and met Michael Fincher - after only a few minutes I felt I'd known him all of my life. He was warm and funny and most of all I could see the kindness in his eyes so clearly. I knew immediately I'd met someone very important in my life. Over the months and years that followed he proved over and over again what it meant to live by "the golden rule" - Mike cared in a way that is very rare - he was never too busy to offer his hand to help a friend - or to talk to someone who was sad - trying with all of his heart to make a difference - to make them feel better. He never ceased to amaze me with his kindness. Over these past years - since I've been away from the beach - I've thought about Mike and Rusty and always end up smiling - knowing they were still there - still sharing their humor and their talent - still writing those wonderful songs. When things were a bit rough for me I would think of some of things Mike said to me in the past to comfort me and to give me hope and they would work their magic again and I would feel better. If I ever travel that way again to that beach on the line - it won't be the same without him - but because of him it will always be a better place since he will live on in the hearts of all of us who were touched by his unselfish acts of kindness. Today I am sure that heaven is a better place because he is there - making the angels laugh. Though my heart is breaking I know he is happy there - Michael, I will miss you and I will think of you often and when I do, as a tear brushes past my smile I will feel your wonderful hug again. You are so loved and will always be. Rebecca

The most contagious thing about Mike Fincher was his eyes...They laughed and told tales about himself that he never had to explain....

He was a light...Always encouraging my would be musician self to get up there and sing... "Play...Enjoy it," he'd say...Always telling me, "You know it was good, just sing...I want to play with you!!!" And with a smile that just lit up the world, and eyes that told you he meant every word he said, he'd make my day every time I saw him... What a special man Mike Fincher was, what wonderful memories and friends he's left behind,....What a treasure to be taken so soon...I'll never forget him...

On the other side Mike...

Cathe Steele 

I met Rusty and Mike when I was 16. I was getting in a lot of trouble with the law for running away. I was also a waitress at Perdido Key waffle house. I cant count how many times I went to the flora bama and rusty and mike would be playing and as soon as I walked in the door they would play I get my women at the waffle house followed by wild ass women, then rusty would point me out. after the song, mike would buy me a coke and ask how I was. mike was the type of person no matter what he was doing he would always make time for you. he would bring a smile to your face no matter the mood. I have always thought of mike as how I would want my father to be. he made me straighten up and live life the way I should. this is so shocking. he was the type of person you never thought would have problems. you thought he would be here forever. I never told him how much he done for me or how much he meant to me because I thought I had forever to do it. now, he is gone and I hope somewhere up in heaven because I want him to know he much impact he had on my life. there were so many times I went to flora bama stressed, mad, irritated, or just plain depressed and when I left it was with a smile. we will always love and remember him. he was an icon for the flora bama kind of like bear Bryant for Alabama football. he had a great impact on many people's lives and I don't think he ever knew it. now he is gone and we will al miss him greatly. he has inspired me to live my life like him, to always have a smile for everyone and be willing to listen at the drop of a hat. Mike, you are in our hearts and our minds. We will miss you man!!!



Angelia Wainscott

http://www.angelfire.com/music5/mikefincher/images/Mike

We will greatly miss Mike. We send are sympathy to mikes family and friends. We come from Kentucky to see Mike and Rusty play twice every year for the past 5 years. Coming down on December 29th will see you soon.

Love from,
Rodney and Paula Smith

Don't know what to say,
Hit me like a ton of bricks.

It just wont be the same old "look Allen in is the House" Mike would holler during the middle of a song when I come walking in to the Flora-Bama , I just was coming to the web site to see when Mike & Rusty were playing on New Years.
I have had too many good times singing & talking with both Mike & Rusty to ever forget them, & at times like this it reminds you of how precious & short life is.
I'm Sure you are playing on with a smile up there.
I send my deepest condolence to his family & friends, he will be missed but not forgotten.

Allen M. Stuckey

Hello --  I only knew Mike from shaking his hand between sets at the Flora Bama and from many wonderful hours spent listening to he and Rusty play some of the most entertaining music I have ever heard. 
 

 My personal tribute would have to go back to last July and I was there with several friends from Tuscaloosa, where I live.  Mike & Rusty were getting ready to play and there wasn't a seat to be had in the bar.  I had given up and was outside when one of my friends called for me to come inside because a table had opened up.

 When I sat down and was served my first Old Forrester and water, Mike and Rusty had begun playing their classic music.  My buddy Geoff said to the rest of the table that "McKee is in Heaven now" because he knew that I enjoyed nothing better than spending the afternoon in that wonderful place listening to them play.

 My thoughts and prayers are with all of his many friends and family.  I would love to know about any future Mike Fincher tributes.

 Best wishes always --  George McKee