Matt Begley's Obituary
Matt Begley, 94
Matt Begley was welcomed into the loving arms of his Heavenly Father June 3, 2014.
Matt was born in Hyden, Kentucky on August 11, 1919 to Robert and Nancy (Hoskins) Begley. He spent his childhood on the family farm and enjoyed time with his 14 brothers and sisters. As a young adult, he moved to Michigan where he met and married his lovely wife Helen. Years later a new job and the freezing cold winters brought Matt and his family to Florida. Years of memories were made as Matt and Helen dearly loved their 3 daughters, Betty Jo, Debbie, Darlene, and their 7 grand children and 8 great-grand children.
Matt loved baseball and was an avid follower of the Detroit Tigers, Atlanta Braves, and the Tampa Bay Rays. He enjoyed listening to county music. A memorable vacation was to the Grand Ole Opry where he met Kitty Wells and went on tours which highlighted many country singers. Matt liked getting together with his brothers, sisters, and other family members for his favorite card game of Rook as well as other card games.
Matt resided in Bartow for many years before moving to Lakeland where he enjoyed living with his daughter Darlene, husband Bill, and grandchildren Adam and Matthew. Every day that Matt lived with his family was truly treasured as a gift from God.
Matt was a pillar of strength for his family, always in their corner, encouraging them to move forward and never quit. He was courageous during the final weeks of his life as many family members were at his side continually loving him and sharing wonderful memories. He passed peacefully into Heaven on June 3rd. We were blessed that God gave him to us for 94 wonderful years!
He was pre-deceased by his parents, his precious wife Helen Mae Hoiska, and 9 brothers and sisters.
Matt is survived by his daughters, Betty Jo Baron, Debbie and husband Phil Redig, Darlene and husband Bill Crawford, 7 grandchildren, Pam, Denise, George, Chris, Jacquelyn, Adam and Matthew, 8 great-grand children, Sammy, Matthew, Daniel, Isabella, Lilly, Aiden, Keegan, and Heather, 4 sisters, Mabel, June, Cappie, Heddy, and 1 brother, Herbert.
Funeral services will be Tues., June 10, 2014 at 11:00 AM at the Gentry-Morrison Southside Chapel, 1727 Bartow Rd., Lakeland. Burial will follow at the Oak Hill Cemetery. U.S. 98 South, Lakeland.
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