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Wlaf1450Charles Edward Housley, age 85, passed peacefully, surrounded by his family in Lexington, Kentucky on October 12, 2024. He was a loving husband, exceptional father, and loyal friend.
Charles was born on March 29, 1939 to the late John and Hazel Housley of La Follette, Tennessee. In addition to his parents, Charles is preceded in death by his brothers, James (Thelma) and Doyle (Betty), and his sisters Azilee Riggs (Henry) and Pauline Hembree (John).
Charles is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Mary Jo, his son Jon “J.J.” Housley (Megan), his daughters Molly Smith (Ryan) and Caitlin Housley-Roth (Mark), and his grandchildren Franklin, Alexander, Margaret, and Ivy.
Charles’ hard work and dedication was second to none, beginning a successful career in healthcare at the early age of 16. He was the only member of his family to attend college, earning a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Tennessee, a Master of Healthcare Administration from Xavier University, and fellowship in the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE). Through his company, Housley and Associates, he published several material management books and articles and traveled the country, lecturing and consulting.
He started his career at East Tennessee Children’s Hospital, then spent 25 years at St. Anthony/Mercy (Columbus, Ohio), working his way to CEO. In 1990, he became the CEO of Michigan Health Care Corporation (Detroit, Michigan), and in 1998, CEO of Appalachian Regional Healthcare (ARH) (Hazard, Kentucky). Charles felt the importance of training younger generations and was an instructor, lecturer, or preceptor for at least ten different institutions, including The Ohio State University and Xavier University, prior to beginning his 2 decade-long career as professor at Midway University in the Health Care Administration program.
Charles would have been most proud of his titles of husband, father, and “Pops.” His favorite roles were those of homework dad, sports coach and referee, ice cream truck chaser, mentor, and all-around fantastic dad and grandfather. He was a well-known Halloween candy distributor, gardener, and Christmas decorator in all his neighborhoods, and always had jokes and stories to share with his friends, neighbors, and fellow church parishioners, with many of his best-known stories referencing his 20-year history as a basketball referee in Ohio.
Charles was a faithful Christian, practicing his Baptist religion for half his life then embracing Catholicism with his family for the rest. He attended mass regularly and helped his churches in various ways. He had a long standing and special relationship with the Franciscan Sisters of the poor and the Franciscan friars.
He will be missed greatly, but his impact was profound.
A visitation will be held at the Cathedral of Christ the King Catholic Church, 299 Colony Blvd, Lexington, Kentucky 40502 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, October 18, 2024, followed by a funeral mass at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the following charities:
The Charles Housley Scholarship Fund at Xavier University online select “Other” and then enter “Charles Housley Scholarship – 261140”.
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Milward Funeral Home of Lexington is in charge of arrangements.