Virgil Lee Beighley's Obituary
Virgil Lee Beighley, age 99, passed away on Saturday, April 11, 2026. He was born on August 18, 1926, in Cornell, Wisconsin to Leon G. and Lillian (Messerschmidt) Beighley. Virgil enlisted in the Army in 1943, where he served in Okinawa, Japan from October 15, 1945, to May 02, 1946 during World War II. He was discharged on March 19, 1947. He continued his service in the Michigan National Guard from 1949-1956. On May 22, 1953, he married the love of his life, Barbara Cox. Together they cherished nearly 73 years. Virgil was a dedicated employee of S.D. Warren/Kimberly Clark where he was a supervisor and mechanical planner for 33 years before retiring in 1989. He was a sports fanatic playing softball, hockey and bowling. Virgil was also an avid golfer enjoying it with his brother, Leon, well into his 90’s. He will be missed by many. He is survived by his loving wife, Barbara Beighley; four children, Kathy (Fred) Ploughman, Michael Beighley, Kelly Smith and Sandra (Stephen) Janik; six grandchildren, Casey (Liz) Ploughman, Carrie Ploughman, Crystal (Dex) Brown, Stephanie Janik, Samuel Janik and Shawn (Stephen) Frank; seven great-grandchildren, Jeremiah Timmerman, Valerie Timmerman, Morrigan Timmerman, Anthony McDaniel, Theo Ploughman, Sidney Brown and Tyler Janik; and many dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; Leon Beighley and Lillian Beighley Carrier; daughter, Sharon Hennesey; two brothers, Clarence (Lorene) Beighley and Leon (Delores) Beighley; two sisters, Betty (Hugo) Joslin and Carole (Dennis) Hackney; granddaughter, Heather Anne Timmerman; and son-in-law, Keith Smith. A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, April 17, 2026, at The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 S. Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444 with visitation one-hour prior. Memorial Contributions in Virgil’s honor can be directed to the American Cancer Society or the American Heart Association. Share memories with the family at https://www.sytsemafh.com.
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