Hal Price Headley Jr., a director with the Keeneland Association from 1971 to 2013 and director emeritus since 2013, passed away at the age of 80 Monday in Lexington, according to an obituary shared by friends and family and first published in the Lexington Herald-Leader Wednesday.
Born in Lexington Nov. 8, 1937 to Hal Price Headley Sr., a founder and president of Keeneland from 1935 to 1951, and Genevieve Molloy Headley, Headley Jr. was a graduate of the Gillman School in Baltimore and the University of Kentucky, where he was a member of the Kappa Alpha fraternity.
He was a stockbroker with an NYSE firm and the builder and operator of Poplar Grove Farm. In addition to his ongoing role at Keeneland, he was a trustee at The Lexington School and a member of the Idle Hour Country Club, the Lexington Rotary Club and the Lexington Club.
The Headley family has extensive ties to Thoroughbred racing and breeding in Central Kentucky. In addition to his role at Keeneland, Headley's father operated Beaumont Farm, while his sister, Alice Headley Chandler, is the founder of Mill Ridge Farm.
“Price was a very generous person, always willing to make time for anyone,” said Mill Ridge Managing Partner Headley Bell, nephew of Hal Price Headley Jr. “He has left a lasting legacy in this community as someone you could count on for support and strength. He will be missed by many.”
Headley is survived by his children, Hal Price Headley III (Kimberlyn), James Miller Ward Headley (Emily) and Hal Pettit Headley III, and his grandchildren, James Miller Ward Headley Jr., Samuel Harrison Headley and Elise Hart Headley.
Visitation will be at Milward Funeral Home on North Broadway in Lexington Sunday, Dec. 3, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Funeral services will be held at First Presbyterian Church Monday, Dec. 4 at 11:00 a.m. Graveside services will be private. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Cardinal Hill Hospital, Bluegrass Care Navigators or the Hope Center.
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