Johnnie L. Finley, affectionately known as "Big John", ascended to his heavenly home January 16, 2014, at the age of 71. He was born May 8, 1942, to Harvey and Beverly (Emerson) Finley in West Plains, MO. John attended West Plains High School where he was a tremendous athlete and remains a sports legend to this day. He was a long-time employee of Yellow Freight Trucking from which he retired in 2003. John was preceded in death by his parents, Harvey and Beverly; his son, Johnnie L. Finley Jr.; one brother, Charles N. Finley; and mother-in-law, Ruby D. Faulkner. He is survived by his loving wife of 24 years, Jane E. (Faulkner) Finley; a brother, Bobbie Finley and wife, Aqualan; one sister, Joann Fewell and husband, Howard; children: Lillian M. Nelson, Tonya McIntyre and Kenneth Finley; sister-in-law, Bernice Finley; 5 grandchildren; 1 great-grandchild and a host of additional family and friends. Visitation will be Friday, January 24, 2014, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home, 1947 E. Seminole, Springfield, MO. Service will be held Saturday, January 25, 2014, 11:00 a.m. at Pitts Chapel United Methodist Church, 600 N. Benton, Springfield, MO. Reverend Darren D. Faulkner will be officiating.