WIlliam "Bill" Jasper Hailey Obituary (1957 - 2023)

William "Bill" Jasper Hailey, 66 of Henderson, KY passed away on Sunday, October 15, 2023 at his residence. He was born on May 14, 1957 in Hopkins County, KY. He was preceded in death by his parents Pete Hailey, Jr and Sue Dell Gentry Hailey, and his sister Rita Jan Hailey Grace. Bill graduated from North Hopkins High School, Kentucky Wesleyan College, and Western Kentucky University. A proud moment in his life was when, in 1984, he toured with Up with People. He traveled with the organization across America and Mexico. There he met many life-long friends from across the globe. His life's work empowering youth came from Up with People, and the experience inspired him to organize and produce Pax Christo, a praise and worship ensemble featuring the teens from the Madisonville First United Methodist Church. He later served on the board of directors and musical director for Youth Encounter the Savior (YES). He was a grant writer and director of TRiO programs at Madisonville Community College, retiring after more than 27 years working with thousands of teens through Upward Bound. With a need to continue his life in public service, he briefly worked for Audubon Head Start in Hopkinsville, and then spent five years helping to expand Austin Peay State University's TRiO programs and providing financial aid services to transitioning military personnel from Fort Campbell seeking to go to college. He was a member of Providence Rural Community Church, a Global Methodist Church. He enjoyed worshiping with many different congregations including the Madisonville Chrysalis Community, where he served as an organizer and volunteer for many years before raising his family. Bill was an avid UK basketball fan and supporter of the Madisonville North Hopkins Marching Maroons. He is survived by his wife Susan Diann Michael Hailey; sons William Trevor and Nicholas Ryan of Henderson; and sister Mary Anne (Vince) Medlock of Murray. He is also survived by brothers- and sisters-in-law Denis (Marlene) Michael, Rodney (Donna) Michael; and Jeffery Michael all of Henderson; Lora (Jack) Andrzejak of Westfield, IN; Tim (Tammy) Michael of Cookeville, TN; and his much-loved nephews, nieces, and their children. Visitation will take place at Barnett-Strother Funeral Home in Madisonville on Friday, October 27 from 5 PM - 7 PM. Visitation will continue on Saturday beginning at 9 AM at Providence Rural Community Church located at 5715 Island Ford Road in Hanson, KY. The funeral will begin at 11 AM with Bro. Lonnie Strater and Bro. Matt Davis. In lieu of flowers, the family asks friends and family to donate to the Spina Bifida Association of Kentucky by visiting their donation portal on their website https://spinabifidakentucky.org/how-to-help/donate/overview.html.