William "Billy" Preston Houseal Fincher Jr. died June 8, 2008. He was born in Columbia to Carole Ann Crolley and William P.H. Fincher. He graduated from Richland Northeast High School and attended USC. Billy was the former owner of Hemingway's and Sundance Grille and the current owner of Catch 22 and The Bistro/Martini Bar.

A memorial service for Billy was held June 13, 2008, at Dunbar Funeral Home. During the service, his uncle, Tom Fincher, remembered him with these words:

"Most of his family and friends would know that Bill was a man of few words. When he was six or seven years old, I remember - only half jokingly - asking his mother and father, 'Does he ever speak?' But when he did speak, he had something to say and people listened."

"Billy was a man who met very few strangers. He had what may sound like a contradiction in terms - a quiet charisma - that permeated a room."

"Billy was a business man and in any business there are ups and downs. In the last weeks, things were upbeat. About the business, he told his dad that for the first time in a long, long time, he was at peace. Those were the words he used. …I wonder.

"He told his dad that what he wanted to do most was to relax - to sit on his dock and watch the sunsets. …I wonder.

"Last week, his father asked Billy if he would like to spend a few days at the beach with him. Billy said no, he wanted to just sit on his dock and enjoy the wind, the waves, and the sky at sunset.

"I believe Bill was, in his own way, thoroughly enjoying and contemplating the work of the creator. His dock and the beauty all around him was his cathedral. …I wonder.

"Two days ago, Billy's dad and I drove over to Billy's house on the lake. Billy's neighbors greeted us and told great stories of him and what a great neighbor he was. Then they recounted that in the last weeks, Billy would sit on his dock, and he told them that he felt wonderful. His neighbors told us that Billy seemed more at peace than they had ever noticed. Those were the words his neighbors used. …I wonder.

"Last Saturday night Billy sat on his dock with his friend, Jeff Harmon. Over the years he and Jeff had discussed and debated matters of religion. As Jeff was leaving he remarked, 'Billy, do you know that Jesus loves you?' After a pause, Bill answered, 'Yeah.' …I really do wonder.

"Billy was afflicted with Parkinson's, and he bore it with great courage and without complaint. Perhaps - just perhaps - as only God can do - he saw Bill's future and the near certainty of what he was going to endure."

"We remember a man who adored his family, his friends, his patrons, and his employees.

"We remember a man who loved others and was loved in return by just as many.

"We remember a man who would share anything with anybody.

"We remember a man who had an infectious - almost impish smile - but would light up a room when he entered.

"We remember a man who was handsome, robust, and without pain.

"And we remember a man who was at peace with himself and the world around him."

Billy Fincher Jr. is survived by his parents, stepmother, Rebecca Cook Fincher; sisters Melita Fincher Middleton (William) and Lauren Ann Fincher; stepsister Paige Cook Alexander (Chris); and many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins.