Paul Finley Stewart, Jr. passed away unexpectedly on December 26th after spending a perfect Christmas holiday with his family. After eight diligent months of sobriety, Finley suddenly lost his battle with addiction in Savannah, Georgia. He was 31 years old.

Finley was a brilliant, handsome, and hilarious young man who captivated everyone he met with his magnetic personality. He was a natural athlete, talented writer, voracious reader, and a gifted scholar. He made everyone laugh with his impeccable comedic timing and will always be remembered for his quick wit and charm. He was the face of resiliency.

Finley was a die-hard Clemson Tiger and celebrated his beloved football team. At Clemson, Finley was influential as rush chairman to Sigma Alpha Epsilon in recruiting future members, while also acting as a mentor to the younger guys. He always went out of his way to make sure everyone was having a blast. He was truly an acolyte of the vibe.

One of Finley's greatest strengths was in friendship. He was a generous and devoted friend to many and made friends wherever he went. From Columbia down to Fort Lauderdale, Finley cultivated a roster of sacred friendships and brotherhoods. His friends were his chosen family. His spirit was in giving, and he would do anything to see his friends well. Finley was active in recovery, where he formed many lifelong bonds through sobriety.

His sister, Mary DuBose, loved him to the end and did everything in her power to help him break free from his matrix. Over the years, they cultivated a beautiful relationship and reached a point of peace. Every time they were together, it was nonstop bellyaching laughter—the kind of laughter where your face and stomach hurt for days after. It was bliss. For years, Finley and his sister frequently baited their mother into admitting who was the favorite child. Eventually it was settled—he was the favorite boy, and she was the favorite girl.

His mother's love and unwavering dedication kept him alive throughout his battle with addiction. His mother, Mary, was with Finley throughout every step of his journey. She loved him fiercely and fought so hard to save him. Mary DuBose was the glue, but Mary was his rock. Mary is and will continue to advocate for drug addiction awareness and reform. Her love for her boy will live on forever in her advocacy work of this deadly disease.

Finley graduated from A C Flora High School and Clemson University, majoring in Biomedical Engineering. He also enrolled in an MBA program at Florida Atlantic University to further his education. Finley is survived by his mother, Mary Stewart, and his sister, Mary DuBose Stewart. He is predeceased by his father, Paul Finley Stewart, and he also leaves behind many beloved aunts, uncles, and cousins. At last, Finley and his dad are finally reunited in perfect peace with Christ's love.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, January 11, 2022 at 1:00 o'clock in the afternoon, Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, 1100 Sumter Street, Columbia, South Carolina, 29201. The family will receive friends in Satterlee Hall following the service. Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family.

A livestream may be seen by visiting https://trinitysc.org/funerals/

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Faith Home Christian Recovery in Greenwood, South Carolina or Bridges of Hope in Louisville, Georgia.

https://faithhome.networkforgood.com/projects/179744-main-giving-page
http://bridgesofhope.org/donate-online-bridges-of-hope-ga/