Alvin Finchum Obituary

Alvin C. Finchum, Jr. of Strasburg, VA died January 21, 2026 following a brief illness. Born February 16, 1954 in Warrenton, VA to Alvin 'Tony' C. Finchum, Sr. and Mildred C. Fletcher, Alvin lived and worked in Fauquier County before joining the military. He graduated Fauquier High in 1973, then proudly served in the United States Air Force and Reserves.

Alvin is survived by sisters Jeannie Johnson (Bill) and Linda McClanahan, honorary son, Dr. Sam Ralls, nieces Missy Weaver and Cyndi Jacobs, nephew Jon Weaver and many great and great-great nieces and nephews who love and will miss their Uncle Alvin very much. Along with his parents, he is predeceased by his wife of 39 years, Ruth (Sally) Larkin Finchum, brother, Johnny Rorrer, honorary daughter, Cindy Larkin and nephew Richard (Ram) McClanahan.

Alvin retired after 26 years as HVAC mechanic for Laurel Ridge Community College, Middletown Campus. After retirement, he found his true passion in photography, earning his career studies certificate in outdoor and nature photography from Laurel Ridge. Ever the outdoorsman, he would go on to travel nationally (National Parks, South Dakota, beaches along the east coast) and internationally (Costa Rica, Ecuador, Peru and Brazil) to photograph nature. His specialty was birds where his photo of a short-eared owl was featured in National Geographic, truly a dream come true for him.

Alvin will be inurned, along with his wife, Sally at Panorama Gardens in Strasburg, VA. A celebration of life will take place at a later date.