Kirkman Finlay III

Kirkman Finlay III was born and raised in Columbia, South Carolina, on land that was once part of his ancestor Wade Hampton’s antebellum plantation. He grew up in a family with deep roots in the region’s history and public life. His parents are Kirkman Finlay Jr., who was mayor of Columbia, South Carolina from 1978 to 1986, and Rab Finlay.^[2]

Finlay attended Heathwood Hall Episcopal School, where he played multiple sports and achieved the rank of Eagle Scout by the age of 13. Seeking broader academic opportunities, he transferred to Groton School, a boarding school in New England. He later earned a bachelor’s degree in ancient history with a focus on Greek and Latin from the University of Virginia in 1992. Although he was accepted into a doctoral program, he chose instead to return home to South Carolina to pursue a career closer to his family and community.^[2]

In his early twenties, Finlay took responsibility for managing his family’s real estate holdings and financial affairs following his father’s illness and passing in 1993. He also ventured into the restaurant business, operating Rising High, a bakery and café, at various locations in the Columbia area from the early 1990s until 2007. Despite setbacks, he later found success with other ventures, including Doc’s Barbecue & Southern Buffet and Pawleys Front Porch.^[2]

Finlay served on Columbia City Council from 2006 to 2010.^[3]

In 2010 Finlay ran for mayor of Columbia, losing to Stephen K. Benjamin.