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Finley Begley, Executive Director of Vocational School in the Southeast region, long time educator and a real estate broker, died on July 9th at the Hazard A.R.H.  He was 78.  Begley was born on October 23, 1929, the son of Finley F. Begley, Sr. and Ethel Childers Begley

"We have fond memories of Finley both personal and professional," said Charile Wilson, former WSGS broadcaster.  "My wife, Rose, remembers Findley as one of her teachers at Leslie County High School. I remember the working situations with Finley at the Hazard Vocational School. Findley always tried to help someone. He was a champion of the underprivileged-trying to get them a job and help them improve their quality of life. Findley will be fondly remembered by those who knew him and his great senses of humor will be missed. I gave him a $75.00 ink pen in 1975 because he was a collector of pens. It was silver with black checks to add to his collection," said Charlie Wilson.

Survivors include his wife: Geneva Begley of Hazard, KY; two sons: Arthur Dale Begley of Lexington, KY and Carl Begley of Stockbridge, GA; one daughter: Anita Begley of Richmond, KY; one granddaughter: Angelina Danielle; four grandsons: Phillip Ryan, Matthew Nolan, John-Carl, and Joseph Carter.

Finley Begley often posted comments on WSGS.com and HazardKentucky.com.  When former Perry County Judge Executive Babe Noplis, died in 2002, Begley said the following:  

"Judge Noplis was highly respected as was evidenced by the voters of Perry County.  He labored to improve Perry County, and supported our mountain heritage.  Babe strongly resented outside agencies that tried to transplant our citizens, Unemployed Parents (Happy Pappies) etc. to areas outside Kentucky.  He felt less fortunate, Perry County citizens should have an opportunity to stay home, and earn a living rather than being conned and shuttled away from their homeland.  I shared his philosophy. From my perspective Judge Noplis was fair, honest, and outspoken.  What more could we expect from a public servant." Finley Begley, Hazard, KY

When WSGS.com did a feature on Shanon Ambrose, a Perry County resident serving in Iraq, Begley posted this:

"Shannon, we are very thankful for your contribution, in helping to keep America free, and we are looking forward to your swift and safe return to the Good OLD  USA, and for you to be with to your family and friends.  You can rest assured your neighbors near Campbell's Creek, Forked Mouth, Krypton, Yerkes, Gunners Branch, and for that matter all of us are wishing you a safe return."  Finley Begley, Hazard, KY

The Perry County Retired Teachers will surely miss Finley.  He was our president this past year.  He did so much and gave everyone else the credit.  I enjoyed working with him.  He could tell some funny tales.  Carlene Shackelford, Hazard, KY

Hazard has lost a kind and gentle soul with the passing of Mr. Begley.  He was a champion of education and believed everyone has the potential to do whatever they chose in life.  I graduated from the Hazard Area Vocational School, Industrial Electricity course.  The knowledge and skills I gained there transferred to my 30 year US Army career many times over.  May God bless his family in their time of grief.  We all will miss him because he touched many young lives.  Garland Hill, Pensacola, FL

Finley Begley was devoted to his family, his work, and Eastern Kentucky.  I worked with him in the KY TECH system and he made a lasting impression on me.  He is missed by many.   Jeanette Downey Fritz, Cape Coral, FL

Finley was tough. Didn't care what anyone thought about what he thought. Stuck to his position. Let you know what was on his mind. Full of good ideas. Because of him, I shy away from 'chalk dogs.'  Tom Eckert, Hazard, KY

A special person to our family.  He was a teacher in a one room school on lower Second Creek.  Always fond memories of the school.  Kathleen Fugate Collins, Marstons Mills, MA

To the Begley family: I'm sorry for the loss of a good man, a good father, a good husband and a very colorful and great friend.  I can remember playing ball with Carl and Rabi. We had some great times at Collins Field when Finley coached us.  May GOD BLESS YOU.  Ron Montgomery, Lexington, KY

I wish the family of Finley Begley much comfort during his passing. Finley was everyone's friend.  Paul D. Prater, West Liberty, KY

Our thoughts and prayers are with Finley's family. We have known him for years and loved him so much. Finley you will be missed by many.  Diane Stidham, Viper, KY

To the Begley family, I'm sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.  Linda McCormick Best, Bethel, OH

Geneva, I was so sorry to hear of Finley's death. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. May God bless you. Debbie Couch, Sassafras, KY

Finley Begley was truly dedicated to vocational education for all concerned and strived throughout his lifetime to do his part in seeing that the students got the best education possible.  He will surely be missed.  Dave Maggard, Ravenna, KY

I first met Finley in 1973 when I began teaching at Breathitt County Vocational School, and I have good memories of him throughout our many years in vocational/technical education.  Rosalee Bradley, Campton, KY

We are very sad to hear of your passing, our thoughts are with the family.  David Combs, Richmond, KY

You all are in my thoughts and prayers at this time of sorrow.  Finley was A true friend.  He will be missed by many.  Chuck Caldwell, Campton, KY

I remember Finley.  My husband, Tom, was teaching at the Whitesburg Vocational School and Finley came there often.  Ida Lee Hansel, Spartanburg, SC

I went to the Hazard Vocational School and graduated in 1969.  I stayed with Finley Begley and family in Walkertown.  Richard L. Peace, Pineville, KY

To the family of Mr. Finley Begley, I am sorry for your loss. He was a really good person and I will always have good thoughts when I think of him.  Larry Sparks, Berea, KY