Phillip Begley

August 16, 2010

TRAVERSE CITY — Phillip Bruce Begley, 82 of Traverse City, passed away at his home on Monday, Aug. 16, 2010. Philip was born Jan.15, 1928, to the late Harold and Ruth (Bailey) Begley in Muskegon. In the spring of 1944, Phillip graduated from Muskegon Heights High School. In 1945, he began his studies at Michigan State University. From 1946 through 1947, he honorably served his country in the U.S. Army, stationed in Italy. After his discharge he returned to Michigan, married his wife of 61 years, Ann (Gary), and completed his studies, earning a business degree in 1950 from Michigan State University. After working for a number of corporations, including Miles Laboratories, Inc. Chemical Division, in Elkhart, Ind., Phillip took the position of Chief Accountant and Personnel Director at Chef Pierre, Inc. in 1967. He was Executive Vice President of the company at the time of his retirement in 1986. Phillip was an active member of the Traverse City Rotary Club and a longtime member of Central United Methodist Church. He loved traveling, music and spending time with family and friends at Torch Lake. Phillip was also very supportive to many community on-goings. He was dedicated, hard working and honest, and a man to whom details mattered.Phil is survived by his wife, Ann; his children, Martin, The Rev. Fr. Tom (Beth), Ben (Kathleen), Andrew, Adam (Melissa) and Lauren, his eight grandchildren; and his sister, Harriett (Galen Sheetz), of Rancho Mirage, Calif. Besides his parents, Phillip was also preceded in death by his siblings, Tom, Doris and Ellen.Visitation for friends and family will be held at Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home on Monday, Aug. 23, from 5 to 8 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 24, at 11 a.m., with visitation one hour prior, at Central United Methodist Church.Memorial contributions in Phillip's honor may be directed to the Interlochen Fine Arts Academy or Grass River Natural Area.Please visit Phillip's online guestbook to share your thoughts and memories with the family at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com.The family is being served by Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home.