August 1, 1933 - September 14, 2024
Doug Fincher was a contributor to Shelby County Today
from August 2011 through August 2024.
His writings often reflected memories of life in East Texas
with family, friends, and God.

To read his obituary, click here.

“Johnny Nichol’s Polk Berries” by Doug Fincher

August 2, 2021 - I came to San Augustine thirty years ago to meet with the Deacons of Calvary Baptist Church to discuss becoming their Pastor. Deacon Chairman Johnny Nichols immediately explained to me why his legs were so bowed. “It’s Arthur,” he laughed. I’ve tried “all but one thing” to cure my Arthritis, but nothing has helped. When I asked why he hadn’t tried “that one thing,” he said an old man gave him the cure “but I never used it.”

“Counting and Measuring” by Doug Fincher

"Lie not one to another…" Colossians 3:9

July 26, 2021 - In the 60's Charles Johnson invited James Cannon and me to a squirrel hunt on the Alabama-Coushatta Indian Reservation.

We began the day with breakfast at a Woodville Café and got to our woods about an hour before daylight. As we sat around the fire, Charles bit off a chunk of Red Bull tobacco and began telling stories about his hunts on the Reservation.

“Mickey’s Dresser” By Doug Fincher

July 19, 2021 - Mickey was Mother’s younger brother. He was a beautiful man…not effeminate…but strong, kind, and for many reasons my favorite uncle.

“Going Out to Find Them” By Doug Fincher

July 12, 2021 - “Go into the highways and hedges and compel them to come in…” Matt. 14:23

My brother John (who lives in Huxley, Texas) is the world’s best quail hunter. At least he was when Shelby County had quail to hunt.

“A Letter to My Friends” By Doug Fincher

June 29, 2021 - I have not been active on Email or Facebook lately because of a bladder and prostate problem. My prostate was enlarged… but not cancerous… and they found a sizable stone in my bladder. I had surgery last week… corrected the enlarged prostate, and had the stone removed. (Don’t you just love to read about health reports?) I am doing fine in my recovery and actually slept all night last night without my usual trips to the bathroom!

“It Ain't No Big Deal” by Doug Fincher

“I was sick and you looked after me....” Matt. 25:36

June 21, 2021 - My brother John and his wife Shirley have lived many years in the Huxley area on Toledo Bend. They’ve worked hard growing hydroponic tomatoes, baling hay, raising cattle and caring for their rental property.

“What We Learn in Kindergarten” By Doug Fincher

June 14, 2021 - My niece Margaret Youngblood teaches kindergarten children at the First Methodist Church Day school in Center, Texas. We do their graduation pictures every year and it’s always a real fun thing for us.

“I Never Lost The Wonder” by Doug Fincher

May 17, 2021 - My son Neal called me from Manhattan, New York last week after reading my book, “Fincher and Friends.” “What’s the secret for all the things you’ve accomplished in your eighty-seven years?” he asked.