Rev. Dr. William (Bill) Draper Finlaw III was born to Janet King Finlaw and William Whiticar Finlaw, Jr. on May 16th, 1955 in Kalamazoo, Michigan. He died on February 23rd, 2019 in Lincoln.
Bill is survived by his wife Melissa Finlaw Draper and his son Luke Finlaw-Draper. Bill is also survived by his sisters: Susan Finlaw-Dusseault (David), Katherine Finlaw-Heitz (Jason), and Amanda Tucker (Chris); Brothers: Arthur Finlaw (Melody), Robert Finlaw (Tiime), James Finlaw (Wendy); and Stepmother: Kay Finlaw. Nephews and Nieces: Jamin (Tiffany) Finlaw, Jullian (Juli) Finlaw, Roshan Finlaw, Ethan Dusseault, Dylan Dusseault, Levon Finlaw, Helen Heitz, and CJ Tucker. Bill was preceded in death by his parents Janet Finlaw and William Finlaw, Jr , and his nephew, Miles Finlaw.
Bill obtained his BS in Philosophy from the University of West Florida, his MDiv from Pacific School of Religion, and his Ph.D. in English from UNL.
He was a United Methodist minister who served at: St James UMC, Cheney and Palmyra UMC. He was the University Minister at Nebraska Wesleyan from 1994 – 2006. During his time at Nebraska Wesleyan, Bill was one of the originators of the Global Service Learning Program and taught classes in religion. In 2002 he was awarded the Chaplain of the Year Award from the United Methodist Education Foundation. Bill was also the recipient of the White Award (2002) and the Roy G. Story Award (2006) from Nebraska Wesleyan.
Bill was known for his caring and deep connection with students, his passion for travel and introducing students to a deeper and larger world. Bill’s wit and wisdom, his deep respect in the ways that he interacted with absolutely everyone, and his gentle and genuine kindness reflected his commitment to peace and justice.
Bill loved good music, read everything he could get his hands on, and enjoyed good movies. He was a loving and dedicated brother, spouse and father.
Memorials: Northeast UCC, Parkinson’s Foundation, and Bread for the World.
Bill’s Memorial Service is on Thursday, February 28th, 2019 at 11 am at First United Methodist Church – 2723 N 50th Street, Lincoln, NE. Luncheon following.
(People are encouraged to carpool from Northeast United Church of Christ to First United Methodist Church)