He was the son of the late Carrie Fannie and Harold Wilson Finney. He was preceded in death by his sister, Millie Finney. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Mary Oliver Finney, his son, Hal Finney, daughter in law Abby Finney, grandchildren, Virginia, Hally and Jeb Finney, brother in law Don Oliver (Jerreann), nephew Louie Ward and niece Leslie Ward. He grew up in Chambers County, Alabama. He graduated from The Baylor School in Chattanooga, TN and Cum Laude from Auburn University in 1956 where he was a member of Pi Kappa Alpha. Other honoraries there included Phi Kappa Phi, Phi Eta Sigma, and Alpha Epsilon Delta. He was a member of Spiked Shoe, Squires, and the A Club. He was the recipient of the Comer Medal for Excellence in Science.

Reuben began working for Thompson Tractor Company in 1961 as their first Sales Trainee. During his 14 years there, he served as Service Manager and Vice President of Sales . He was a member of Governor Fob James cabinet from 1979 to 1983 serving as the Director of the Alabama Development Office. In 1985, he founded Finney Equipment & Parts in Birmingham, where he continued to work until his passing. He was a member of the JOY class at Canterbury United Methodist Church for 53 years. Through the years, he was an active member of the Monday Morning Quarterback Club, Country Club of Birmingham, and the Summit Club.