Carl James Fink

CARL JAMES FINK passed from this life on June 15, 2023, with his family by his side.  He was 93 years old.  Youngest of five, he was born to L.B. (Bradley) and Mary Delilah (Lila) Fink, née Yow, in Faith, NC.  Carl was known for his indomitable sense of humor and quick-witted comebacks that endeared him to everyone he knew.

 A man of integrity, leadership, and service, Carl was awarded Eagle Scout, the highest achievement in the Boy Scouts of America. Editor of the Yearbook, Junior Year, and Vice-President of his Senior Class at Catawba College, Carl graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree.  After a graduate semester at Seminary, Carl went to Officer Candidate School in the U.S. Navy.  Commissioned as Navy Ensign, he led the Gunnery, Second Division aboard the heavy cruiser USS Pittsburg.  The ship called at international ports worldwide for almost four years and was engaged in the Korean conflict.

His 32-year career with IBM included sales in the Service Bureau, Typewriter Division, and Product Planning.  During his 100% Club years, he was among the top 100 salespersons nationally. 

In 1957, he met the love of his life, Mary Daly.  After a whirlwind courtship, they were married and set up housekeeping in Charlotte, NC.  Three children, Karen, Allison and Stuart, came along shortly.  In 1969 the family moved to Austin, TX, where Carl’s new assignment with IBM in Product Planning began, and they settled into making Austin home.  All the family enjoyed living in Austin.  When the children left for Baylor University, Carl and Mary moved to Georgetown and, most recently, to CC Young Senior Living in Dallas, TX.  They traveled widely during their retirement years, always interested in what was new and exciting in the world. 

Carl enjoyed serving as an usher and deacon in various churches.  Always faithful, he brightened the days for many with his light-hearted comments and jokes.  He never sought the limelight, but wherever he went, his watchword was, “Don’t worry, be happy!”

His wife of 66 years, Mary; Karen and Manuel Santaella; Allison and Jim Summersett, Stuart and Vicki Fink, along with ten grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren, survive him.  Fondly known to his grands and great-grands as Poppy, his goal in life was to leave the legacy of a close-knit family that would continue to impact the world positively for generations to come, to which end he was grandly successful. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Carl James Fink, please visit our floral store.