Junius DeLeon Finklea, Jr.

Junius DeLeon “Bebe” Finklea, Jr., age 84, passed away on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at home surrounded by his loving daughters after a brief illness.

Born in Florence, South Carolina, on August 23, 1942, Bebe was the son of the late Junius DeLeon Finklea and Anabel Britton Finklea. He graduated from McClenaghan High School in Florence and attended the University of South Carolina.

After college, Bebe joined his father in the family business, Finklea Magnavox. A natural entrepreneur, he went on to open Star Rentals. After selling that business, he opened Florence’s first video rental store, aptly named Finklea’s Movies. Alongside his longtime business partner, Norwood Bonnoitt, Bebe grew Finklea’s Movies into a successful chain of 13 stores across South Carolina before selling the business to Movie Gallery in 1996. He was proud of the business they built together and the many dedicated employees who helped make it a success.

Bebe served as deacon at First Baptist Church and was a member of the Lions Club in Florence. He was a devoted husband to Rebecca “Becky” Finklea and said marrying Becky was the best decision he ever made. He was a loving father and the biggest champion to his daughters, whom he called “my girls Bookie and Bitty.” Following the death of his wife, Becky, in 2009, Bebe made the family lake house in Summerton, South Carolina, his permanent home. He devoted himself to his greatest passions: family, fishing, Gamecock football, and fast cars. He could often be spotted behind the wheel of his black Camaro or silver Cadillac CTS, sometimes enjoying its horsepower a little more than the speed limit allowed.

In his later years, Bebe affectionately called his daily routine the “diner recliner” era. Monday through Friday, he would eat at the Summerton Diner, often with one of his best friends, Inky Davis. Then he would head home, settle into his recliner, and catch up on the games he had recorded- especially the Atlanta Braves and his beloved South Carolina Gamecocks. He would watch a Clemson game too, but only if he already knew Clemson had lost. Bebe made a lasting impression on all who knew him with his dry wit, kind heart, and free spirit, and leaves behind a Finklea legacy which will never be forgotten.

Bebe was preceded in death by his wife, Rebecca “Becky” Finklea; his daughter, Mary Grace Finklea; and his treasured Maltese, Booty.

He is survived by his daughters, Brooke Finklea Lucas and Britton Finklea Young (Blake); his grandchildren, Addie, Banks, and Becca; and his sister, Susann Ervin.

A memorial service honoring Bebe’s life will be held on Thursday, November 12, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Stoudenmire-Dowling Funeral Home, 2402 S. Irby Street, Florence, SC 29505. A graveside committal service will follow at Mount Hope Cemetery, 100 Cherokee Road, Florence, SC 29501.

In keeping with Bebe’s wishes, a Celebration of Life will follow from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the Grand Ballroom at Victor’s in downtown Florence ,126 W Evans Street, Florence, SC 29501. All who knew and loved Bebe are warmly invited to join his family for food, drinks, and fond memories as we celebrate the life of the one and only Bebe Finklea.

Those wishing to honor Bebe’s memory may make a memorial contribution to the University of South Carolina’s Athletics Excellence Fund.

The family extends their deepest gratitude to the team at Tidelands Hospice for the exceptional care, comfort, and compassion they provided to Bebe during his final days at home.

Please sign the guestbook for the family at www.stoudenmiredowling.com.