Mr. Bill Begley, 88, of Lancaster, passed away peacefully on March 8, 2026. Born December 5, 1937, in Yonkers, NY, he was the son of the late Phyllis Fredericks. After graduating from South Broward High School in Hollywood, FL, he served in the United States Air Force. He married the late Judy (Morrissey) Begley in 1965. Bill Begley was one of the founders of the Christian Appalachian Project that was formed in the mid 1960's that started in Lancaster, KY.

Fr. Ralph W. Beiting visited with Bill in West Palm Beach, FL. After sharing his vision over lunch, Fr. Beiting convinced Bill to move to Lancaster, KY to help create the Christian Appalachian Project. In a partnership formed by God, Bill Begley, the late John Holway, and the late Father Ralph W. Beiting; CAP was created. Fr. Beiting’s vision was simple, “to help the families of Appalachia help themselves escape poverty.”During his time at CAP, Bill played a key role in managing logistics and overseeing donations. Bill dedicated his whole career to CAP. He retired as the Vice President of Development in 2000. Today, CAP serves over 2 million children, families, and seniors each year through an array of services to help remove barriers.

Faith, friends, and family were everything to Bill. He was an active member at St. Williams Catholic Church in Lancaster, avid golfer at Dix River Country Club, and never missed the opportunity to be around his children and grandchildren.

Visitation will take place at 9:00 am at St. Williams Catholic Church on Saturday, March 21, 2026. A Celebration of a Remarkable Life Mass will follow at 11:00 am with Father John List as the celebrant. A private graveside ceremony will be held for the family.

Survivors include son, Will (Allison) Begley of Harrodsburg, daughter Kate Goodhew of Punta Gorda, FL and six grandchildren, Samantha Goodhew, Caroline Goodhew, Ellie (Grant) Begley Brockman, Elizabeth Goodhew, Molly Begley, and William Goodhew. He is also survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Mike Morrissey and Carol Skaggs. He is preceded in death by his sister-in-law, Pat Morrissey.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Williams Catholic Church, 224 Lexington Road, Lancaster, KY 40444 or the Christian Appalachian Project in his memory at www.christianapp.org. Expressions of sympathy can be sent to St. Williams Catholic Church.