Begley Drug Company was founded in London, Kentucky in 1921 by Byron B. Begley. His brother Robert B. Begley joined the business in 1932 after graduating from the University of Louisville School of Pharmacy. The brothers opened a second store in Richmond in 1934 and Richmond became the headquarters for the company at that time. In 1948 the company was incorporated and Byron served as president, while Robert was elected executive vice president. Robert B. Begley was elected as president and chairman of the board in 1954 and served in that role until 1974 when he was elected as chairman of the Board of the Begley Drug Company and his son Robert J. Begley was elected as President. The company was taken over by Rite Aid in 1988.

Source was "Robert B. Begley Dies of Heart Attack," Eastern Progress, December 6, 1977.