Birth date: Jun 11, 1951 Death date: Mar 3, 2026
On March 3, 2026, Ross “Pappy” Conley Fink, 74, of Fayetteville, Arkansas, crossed the river into the promised land. Ross was born on June 11th, 1951 to Carroll and Nita Fink in Hemet, California. Ross was a gifted athlete letter Read Obituary
I first met Ross over 20 years ago when he was the national account manage for Temple Inland handling the Coca-Cola account.
What I found refreshing about Ross is that he always kept things in perspective. He also had a knack for finding ways to make both side happy.
On a number of occasions he stood up to his management for Coca-Cola because it was the right thing to do. He also faught to protect Temple Inland when called for.
We became good friends, playing many rounds of golf together.
One funny story I'll relate. Ross was telling me about an upcoming cruise trip he, Nancy and a group of friends were taking. He said that one of the male members goal was to see how much weight he could gain in a week on ship. Turns out he gained 25 lbs.
Ross will be missed but has been called to a better place.
A good man who lived a good life.
Mr. Fink served as an elder at the church where I went when I first became a Christian. Both he and his wife Nancy knew me well and strengthened and supported me despite my foolishness as a high school kid. They loved kids, perhaps especially the foolish ones like myself. They loved kids so much they volunteered as directors FC Georgia Camp every summer I was in high school. One year, I showed up for camp as usual, drum set in tow, making my way to the sign in sheet, but when I looked, my name was not there. I had never registered for camp. Without much support at home for this camp, it never dawned on me to actually register for camp let alone pay for it. I believe my grandparents paid for me to go one year, but besides that, I don’t know how it all happened. I just showed up for camp and everything was ready for me. Again, youthful ignorance and foolishness. But this year, my name was not on the list, and I didn’t know what to do. Rather than send me home or embarrass me, Ross Fink took me aside, rearranged cabins to give me a spot, made me a name tag complete with camp activities and my society, and I’m sure a number of other things that only directors have to think about. It was as if he knew this would happen. Like he and Nancy anticipated it from the start. They paid for me to go to camp that year and went through the difficulties of last minute arrangements. But they also wisely told me what happened. Mr. Fink took me aside and like a father lovingly explained to me the situation and the dangers of entitlement. And he went on to explain my work schedule for him that summer to pay off camp. I gladly accepted the terms.
Mr. Fink, you are dearly missed. Tap, Tap, Tap.
The box business brought Ross and I together at Inland Container almost 40 years ago and remained our common thread, but the friendship that developed out lasted any of that. He’s one of the few people I could truly call Friend. One time in Atlanta, after we’d met for lunch, we shook hands and and hugged. As he was opening his car door he yelled at me- “I love you! You know that don’t you?” Rarely are those words expressed outside of family. Yes, Ross, I know that. I love you too, my friend.
Doug Thiesse
Heartfelt condolences to Nancy Fink and family for the loss of a beloved brother in Christ, Ross Fink 🙏🫶
Sending love and hugs xx Cornelius and Nikki ❤
Ross was a star athlete in high school as I enjoyed being a teammate on our Varsity Baseball Team. We were positioned next to each other as outfielders, Ross in left field and myself in center field. Most recently Ross attended our 50th high school reunion gathering in Southern California and played in our little golf tournament that I arranged. He loved all sports including the game of golf. Ross was asked to speak at our reunion and he delivered a very special benediction message that was felt with warmth and love by over 100 attendees. Thank you for all of the memories, Ross. Rest in Peace my friend and I look forward to seeing you once again when our Lord calls me home.🙏💞
Sad to hear this news. My condolences to Nancy and the family.
