Kay Fincher (center) thanks the inmate gospel choir for singing in memory of their chaplain, Rev. Dale Fincher, at a ceremony at the Wilkes Pre-release Center. The staff at the Wilkes Pre- Release Center remembered their Chaplain, Rev. Dale Fincher, in a memorial dedication ceremony at the center Wednesday.

Rev. Fincher, pastor of Tignall Baptist Church, passed away June 13 while on a ministry trip.

"He had a great impact on our guys during his ministry here," said Superintendent Ricky Cobb. "He touched so many lives, both inmates and staff, and words are hard to explain all he's done for the guys here, and for the whole community. Fridays won't be the same without his visits."

At the ceremony Wednesday, Cobb unveiled the engraved stone marker in Fincher's memory at the center's small memorial garden. Fincher's wife, Kay, and daughter, Julie, attended along with staff and inmates. A gospel choir sang a favorite number in his memory.

"He really loved this ministry," Kay said. "Y'all were very near and dear to him."

Chaplain Stanley Rucker said, "Dale was always there to help - he was like family. Thank you for sharing him with us, and may God bless you and keep you."